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Passengers with 10-trip concession tickets for Whangarei’s current public bus service are being reminded time is running out to use them up before new a bus company begins operating on Tuesday 1 July.

The Northland Regional Council says most people who purchase multi-trip tickets are regular bus users who would typically use a 10-trip ticket over a week-long period.

The new CityLink bus service will offer its own multi-use tickets when it begins operating from Tuesday 01 July and as a new contractor, it will not be honouring outstanding multi-use tickets sold by its predecessor.

However, to ensure passengers have had plenty of time to use all 10 trips on existing tickets purchased from the current operator – and to spread the word about the impending new and improved service -  the Regional Council began publicising the looming changes a month ago.
 
Chris Powell, the Council’s Regional Transport Team Leader, says that work has included radio and newspaper advertising, media releases and has seen dozens of posters and fliers put up at bus stops.  Information – including electronic timetables – is also available from www.nrc.govt.nz/bus

Regional Council staff have also been out and about at city bus stops over the past week handing out new timetables to passengers.

Mr Powell says advance sales of 10-trip concession tickets for the new service – and new timetables - have also been temporarily available from the Council’s Water St offices all this week and will also be available again on Monday (subs: Monday 30 June).  From Tuesday (01 July) all tickets can be purchased direct from the new CityLink bus drivers.

He says the new CityLink fleet is made up of 10 brand new low-floor, low emission buses with a distinctive green colour scheme.

The fleet will operate to an extended timetable, with half-hourly services during peak week day hours along popular routes. A new City/Okara route that takes in the Town Basin area will also be available.