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Christmas buses just the ticket
December 2, 2013
Christmas buses just the ticket
Horizons Regional Council is getting into the Christmas spirit with 2,000 free trips being offered on Palmerston North and Feilding bus services in December.
Horizons transport manager Anne Redgrave says the council usually operates free weekend services in the lead up to Christmas but wanted to take a different tack this festive season.
“In the past we’ve put on free buses but they’ve only really been well utilised by those who use the bus already. While it’s important to recognise our regular passengers, this year we’ve decided to give tickets to both current and potential bus users, providing people with an opportunity to give the bus a go.”
Ms Redgrave says Horizons’ transport team will be out at different locations around Palmerston North until December 19 handing out tickets for a free one-way bus trip.
People are encouraged to write their details on the back of their ticket before popping it in the box on-board any Horizons bus to be in to win one of 18 daily prizes sponsored by local businesses and the chance to win an iPhone 5s.
The grand prize will be drawn on Friday 20 December with all winners announced on Classic Hits’ Richard Dryden Breakfast Show.
Ms Redgrave says patronage in Palmerston North remained steady, with over 1.2 million trips recorded across all urban services over the 2012-13 financial year.
Patronage is also steadily increasing on the Feilding to Palmerston North service, with a total of 93,695 trips made during 2012-13.
“Catching the bus eliminates worries around car parking as well as fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, which can be an extra stress at this time of year,” Ms Redgrave says.
“Whether you’re a regular passenger or haven’t set foot on public transport in years, now’s the time to hop onboard. Keep an eye out for our team in their santa hats, pick up your ticket and enter it on the bus to be in to win.”
More information on bus fares and timetables is available online at www.horizons.govt.nz Timetables are also available from the i-Site, Horizons’ office in Victoria Avenue, the library, Palmerston North City Council or onboard any Horizons bus.
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