Commuters who regularly use the twice-weekly bus from Levin to Waikanae are more than pleased with the service.
It has been running for one year this week. The anniversary was celebrated with a gift to the bus driver from Grey Power, which has lobbied for this and other public transport services for years.
Family and friends made sure this week's trip got a good send-off. Among the crowd seeing off the bus on Thursday were friends and family of the travellers, and staff from Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council and District Councillors Jo Mason and Bernie Wanden.
Grey Power President Terry Hemmingsen says the bus service gives people who do not own cars a chance to get out of town, go shopping and/or stay with friends for a few days. Many travellers catch the train to Wellington at Waikanae.
"People from Waikanae and Wellington also use this bus service to visit their family and friends here. This service is a sounding success," Mr Hemmingsen says.