Friday 11 July 2025
Refreshed routes and free sign-up for Bee cards are among some of the changes to local public transport services, GizzyBus and Waka Kura (school bus) this month.
From 1 July, Kaiti now has 2 routes for better coverage and shorter trips, school busses will extend times for morning and afternoon runs, and for the first time commuters will be able to catch a bus to Kiwa Pools - making it easier for whānau, tamariki and kaumatua to access one of the city’s most enjoyed facilities.
Council’s Journeys Operations manager Libby Young says the changes to city routes and school bus services has been in the making since the adoption of the Regional Public Transport Plan in 2024.
“The new routes are designed to get people where they need to go; whether it’s school, the city centre, the hospital or a day out at the pools. There’s a focus on reliability, timeliness, and making the bus a real option for everyday travel.”
This refresh also extends to the buses themselves. The range of buses has been upgraded to newer models, which have a higher safety rating and have the best emissions profile available for diesel buses in New Zealand. They are more accessible too, with kneeling features to lower the bus to kerb level for those using with limited mobility, or those who need to use mobility aids, wheelchairs or prams.
The buses are also larger, especially useful on school routes. This means more tamariki will now have a seat, after previous concerns about children standing during their commute.
In response to community feedback, Council has kept the Bright Street terminal as is, with the door open to potential changes in future.
Some stops and loops on the original routes have also been removed or changed so buses can stay on time and give passengers a more reliable and consistent service.
“We know some regular passengers have noticed a change, and we could have communicated this better,” says Ms Young.
“Most stops are now a short walk to another nearby stop and our staff are available to help commuters navigate the changes.”
“We’re taking all feedback on board and will keep improving based on how things are working in real time.”
Following the Council decision on 27 March 2025, some fares have increased due to regional land transport funding changes and transitioning to the national bus card system, Motu Move, which is planned for September 2026.
“Until then, we’ve waived the $5 Bee card sign-up fee, making it easier than ever to ride the bus,” says Ms Young.
Commuters can sign up and collect a free Bee card from either the customer service desk at Council office or at the library, and only have to pay for the top-up.
Maps and timetables are available online and in person from customer service, the library or on the bus, with routes for school also available from school offices before the new term.
For more information, visit www.gdc.govt.nz/services/bus-services.