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Whanganui Chronicle

Whanganui to Palmerston North bus to continue despite low numbers

10 Sep, 2018 05:30 AM2 minutes to read
Horizons' Whanganui to Palmerston North bus service will remain. Photo / Bevan Conley

Horizons' Whanganui to Palmerston North bus service will remain. Photo / Bevan Conley

Zaryd Wilson
By
Zaryd Wilson

Whanganui Chronicle editor

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Despite few fare-paying customers, the Whanganui to Palmerston North commuter bus will continue on beyond its two-year trial.

Horizons Regional Council runs the service and its passenger transport committee has voted to continue the service after the trial period ends in February.

Whanganui-based councillor Nicola Patrick, who sits on the committee, has backed the decision but wants to look at ways to increase the service's use.

The trial of the once a day, Monday to Friday service began in 2017 with a $30,000 contribution from Ucol to allow its students and staff to travel for free.

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But with just $11,330 collected in fares ($10 each) from other passengers it is relying heavily on council and the NZ Transport Agency, which roughly split the $71,442 shortfall.

A council report said Ucol made up 82.6 per cent of the patronage while "fare paying customers remain low".

The service cost $114,772 in 2017/18 and had 8328 passengers with Horizons ratepayers forking out $4.20 per passenger and the taxpayers $4.38.

Patrick said the committee discussed whether changes such as decreased fares would increase passenger numbers and was keen to hear public feedback.

"If there's a demand, let's see what we can do to meet it," Patrick said.

"For me I'm really keen for Whanganui people to tell us what they want from their bus services."

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Patrick "absolutely" supported the service despite it needing a top-up.

"We're fortunate in that our public transport services don't have to break even per se. It's something we're keen to invest in."

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She was keen to encourage more people to take the bus.

"If you're car pooling with a small engine vehicle then cool, keep doing that. But if you're not and it's available, why not try the bus, give it a go."

Taking the bus freed up time otherwise spent driving to do other things, Patrick said.

"I think it's a habit and a mindset thing."

Horizons will be putting the Whanganui to Palmerston North commuter service out to tender.

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