Free buses will run in many Northland locations during Carfree Day.
Free buses will run in many Northland locations during Carfree Day.
Northlanders could choose Shanks' pony or catch a free bus on Carfree Day, on Friday next week.
It is a day when people all over the world are encouraged to do without their vehicles for 24 hours in favour of cycling, walking and public transport.
The Northland Regional Council hasteamed up with Northland's four public transport services which collectively make up the BusLink network to offer free rides on their respective fleets to mark Carfree Day.
The BusLink companies are Whangarei-based CityLink, Hokianga Link, Mid North Link and Kaitaia's Far North Link.
"Free Ride Day" trips will be available throughout the day, including the Hokianga Express and the Mid North Link's Route 3 from Kaikohe to Kerikeri, which don't normally operate on a Friday.
Regional councillor John Bain, who chairs the Northland Regional Transport Committee, said Free Ride Day's backers were hoping the public would get into the spirit of the day and take advantage of the offer.
"Given the smaller services use correspondingly smaller vehicles, we're also suggesting people ring the operator of their local service before their intended free trip just to make 100 per cent sure they'll have enough seats available," Mr Bain said.
The four operators varied in size - from the largest, CityLink, which runs a fleet of eight 40-seater buses in urban Whangarei carrying more than 1200 people daily, to the smallest, Hokianga Link, which operates a single 11-seater van on Thursdays during winter, expanding to Tuesdays and Thursdays over summer.
Meanwhile, as well as the free travel, organisers are inviting both users and non-users of the four services to take part in an online survey about their transport habits.
"As an extra incentive, those who complete the survey will go into a draw to win one of 10 grocery vouchers worth $50 each," Mr Bain said.
Facebook page www.facebook.com/NorthlandRegionalCouncil or check the BusLink website - www.buslink.co.nz - for timetables.
