Simon Bridges National Party Leader simonbridges.co.nz

My inbox is full of complaints about the recent changes to the bus network.

They range from frustration to desperation and concern over children being left at bus stops, waiting for buses that don't turn up. This is simply not good enough.

The role of delivering the bus service is shared between the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils.

In a nutshell, the Regional Council runs the bus system and is responsible for designing the bus routes, contracting the bus provider and managing the network. Sorting out this recent chaos is their responsibility.

Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils are responsible for bus stops, shelters and bus lanes. You have to feel a bit sorry for Tauranga City Council, who have received complaints and criticism over something they have no control over.

Last week two of my staff members met with a representative from the Regional Council. They are acutely aware of the problems and are desperately trying to resolve them.

I will continue to monitor the progress they are making as solutions must be found quickly. My office staff are being updated daily on the situation.

As we move towards a healthier environment, we are encouraging people to use public transport, but we need to be assured that the system and networks provided are reliable.