Horizons Regional Council is encouraging shoppers to go by bus with free Saturday services offered in the lead up to Christmas.
All Wanganui buses supported by Horizons will be free tomorrow, December 8, 15 and 22 and are set to reduce the stress of finding and paying for parking.
AnneRedgrave, the council's transport manager, said Christmas was a busy time on the region's roads and motorists were often under stress and in a rush.
"The free buses take a bit of hassle out of Christmas shopping," Ms Redgrave said.
"They provide an opportunity for those yet to try our services to hop aboard and find out just how easy it is to travel by bus.
"They're also a nice little gift for our regular passengers," she said.
She said the number of people using public transport in Wanganui had increased by 5 per cent over the past four years but there was plenty of room for growth.
"Rising petrol, car maintenance and parking costs are all compelling reasons to go by bus, as is the reduced environmental impact of shared transport," Ms Redgrave said.
