Wed 12 Sep 2018

Taranaki public transport users are in for a treat, with free bus travel on 21 and 22 September to mark World Car-Free Day.

“It’s an ideal opportunity to reward our regular passengers and to encourage more people to give the buses a go,” says Chris Clarke, Passenger Services Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council which organises and funds the region’s Citylink, Connector and Southlink services.

Car-Free Day is celebrated every September 22, when people are encouraged to get around by public transport or bike or on foot instead of driving cars. It is observed in more than 2000 cities in 46 countries.

In Taranaki, bus travel will be free on:

• Hāwera-New Plymouth Connector services on Friday 21 September.
• New Plymouth Citylink services (excluding school buses) on Friday 21 September and Saturday 22 September.
• Southlink once-a-week services on Tuesday 18 September, Thursday 20 September and Friday 21 September.

Chris hopes Car-Free Day will get people thinking about the benefits of bus travel.

“It’s better for the planet and it’s better for the user in terms of the exercise you get walking to and from the bus stop, the money you save on car running costs and parking, as well as the chance to socialise with others in your neighbourhood,” he says. “And the more people that use the buses, the better we can make the service, as part of taking Taranaki forward.”

For details of Citylink, Connector and Southlink timetables, routes and fares, go to www.taranakibus.info (external link).

You can also follow Taranaki Public Transport on Facebook.

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