Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

There are many regular users of the buses, with more than 1.8 million passenger trips taken on the Tauranga network during the last financial year. Many people though, just don't know just how easy and convenient the buses can be.

For example, my mother-in-law loves the buses in Tauranga. Since giving up her car, the buses are a lifeline for her. She will tell you she can get just about anywhere she needs to go via the buses –that they're convenient, easy to use and she just loves the helpfulness of the bus drivers.

The walks to the bus stops have helped her stay fit, and the trips are outings that provide opportunities to meet people.

As an incentive to users, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which manages the Tauranga bus network, is providing free bus services during the next two weekends for Christmas shoppers.

And weekend and public holiday services between the end of December and the start of February 2014 are being extended. Buses will run more frequently during this time and will run later on some routes. It's a good time to try out the bus services and to help reduce congestion on the roads as well.

So why don't you check out the summer bus timetable at: www.baybus.co.nz and give a bus a go.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on: neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.