Residents in Wanganui, NZ, will be able to ride free on bus services next week to encourage public transport use
September 24, 2013
Bus travel around Wanganui, NZ, will be free for all passengers from next week as Horizons Regional Council encourages more people to get on board with public transport.
The promotion coincides with the launch of the council’s new GoCard design and the first week of the school holidays.
Transport planner Wayne Wallace says waiving the fares for a week provides an opportunity for people who aren’t regular passengers to give the bus service a go.
“Horizons’ Wanganui bus network offers a cost-effective and convenient way to get from A to B,” he says.
“With petrol prices heading skyward, public transport is becoming an increasingly attractive option and we want to encourage more people to consider bus use as an alternative to private cars.”
There will be activities held during the including a free bus breakfasts and the GoCard will be available to purchase less the $7 administration fee up.
“As the free week coincides with the school holidays, it’s also a good opportunity for students and families to give the service a go,” says Wallace.
“However, it is open to all users and passengers may travel as many times as they like on any of our urban routes.
“We hope to see more people realise the benefits of bus use through this free week leading to higher patronage going forward.”
The free travel period runs from September 30 until October 5. See www.horizons.govt.nz for timetables and more information.