Free buses in Hastings and Napier this weekend for World Public Transport Day

Buses in Hawke's Bay will be free this weekend for World Public Transport Day. Photo / Warren Buckland

Buses in Hastings and Napier will be free this weekend.

From Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, travellers can ride any Go Bay bus at no cost to celebrate World Public Transport Day.

No payment or Bee Card would be required during the promotion.

Neil Kirton, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) regional transport committee chair, said the free travel was to encourage people to experience the ease of public transport.

“With fuel costs remaining high, many people are looking for different ways to travel,” Kirton said.

“This free weekend removes barriers and makes it even easier for people to give it a go.”

HBRC transport manager Russell Turnbull said more people have been using the bus since the network relaunch in January.

“This free weekend is a great way to build on that momentum and for even more people to get on board.”

Turnbull reminded riders to give drivers “a big thank you” as they hopped on and off.