1 October 2004

Transfund supports free bus service for Massey University

A Transfund New Zealand decision to increase passenger transport funding for Manawatu-Wanganui has enabled a Horizons Regional Council proposal for a free bus service between Palmerston North city and Massey University to go ahead.

This funding increase means the council can go ahead with its proposed unlimited access bus service, with increased frequency of services to and from the university. The number of daily services will increase from 98 to 135, with an additional 37 peak-time services.

There are also plans to relocate the Massey University bus terminal to the centre of the campus for greater ease of access.

The proposal is based closely on a similar successful scheme run by Horizons Regional Council for students and staff of UCOL, the Palmerston North polytechnic. Board chair Dr Jan Wright says Transfund supported the proposal because the free, increased frequency bus services would provide significant encouragement for people to use public transport.

"Potentially, this service could lead to significantly lower numbers of traffic crossing Fitzherbert Bridge, resulting in reduced congestion, energy savings, and lower vehicle emissions," she says.

ENDS

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