Extra Bus Discounts On The Way For Students

Additional fare discounts for frequent users of school buses in and around New Plymouth are expected to be introduced next month.

The new 40-trip "SmartPasses" will give an extra 20% discount off the current SmartCard fare to students travelling between New Plymouth and Oakura or Waitara, and an additional 10% for those travelling within New Plymouth or between New Plymouth and Bell Block.

Fares were restructured as part of a revamp of school and commuter bus services that took effect on 31 May. Electronic SmartCards were introduced, replacing paper-based discount tickets including term and yearly passes for school students. In June, the Taranaki Regional Council approved the introduction of additional frequent user discounting for students as soon as possible in the third term.

"We're working closely with the supplier to provide the technology required and we expect to be able to introduce the new discounts in mid-August," says the Council's Chief Executive, Basil Chamberlain.

"As soon as a date is confirmed, the details will be sent to schools and will be available on the Taranaki bus website, www.taranakibus.info

ENDS

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