Tuesday, May 14, 2013

New operator for commuter bus service

Change is in store for Horizons Regional Council’s Marton to Palmerston North commuter bus service with new provider Madge Coachlines set to take over operation from Monday 20 May.

Horizons transport planner Wayne Wallace says along with a change in provider, passengers can also look forward to a number of service improvements including a larger, more accessible bus and the introduction of popular pre-paid travel pass the GoCard.

“From Monday 20 May, passengers can expect to see a 31-seater, super-low floor, wheelchair accessible bus. There’ll be more room and easier boarding for those who may not have been able to access the service previously,” Mr Wallace says.

“Trip numbers on the commuter service are forecast to reach 4,761 for the 2012-13 financial year. This bigger bus will allow for growth and enable even more people to enjoy the benefits of bus use in our Region.”

Fares on the commuter service have remained steady since 2004 and cash fares will increase by 50 cents on average when the new contract takes effect on Monday 20 May.

GoCard will replace 10 trip passes and these fares will increase by 75 cents per trip to $5.75 per way to and from Marton. However, Horizons will honour existing 10-trip passes until the end of May and the $7 administration fee will be waived for all GoCards purchased until the end of the month.

“We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for our passengers and believe the benefits of GoCard, our prepaid travel card warrant the change in system,” Mr Wallace says.

“Passengers using GoCard can top up onboard the bus using cash or at Madge Coachlines’ offices using Eftpos. Then they simply need to swipe their card within 5 centimeters of the electronic reader onboard the bus to have their fare deducted.”

More information about the Marton to Palmerston North commuter service including fare changes and the timetable is available online at www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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