Bay of Plenty Regional Council is looking to use current public transport resources more efficiently and make bus travel easier as part of proposed changes to the Tauranga bus network.

The council is inviting customer and community feedback on proposed changes to the network to improve journeys around the city and suburbs. Public consultation is open for submissions until Friday, April 28.

BOPRC transport planning manager Oliver Haycock says an effective public transport system plays a significant role in the growth of our city.

'This project proposes changing bus routes and adjusting services to address known challenges experienced by our customers and to meet demand.

'An exciting element of our proposal is the new Route 1 service, running the full length of Cameron Rd before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Mount Maunganui.

'This is in response to feedback that we've received previously about better connecting Te Papa peninsula with Mount Maunganui.”

The regional council is inviting feedback on specific bus services to provide more convenient travel choices and encouraging people to have a say online, in person or by post.

The Tauranga bus network refresh started November 2021 and used community feedback to help design and implement direct services from Papamoa to Tauranga CBD and simplified bus routes between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

This next stage of the refresh focuses on improving routes in the west and south of Tauranga including Matua, Ōtūmoetai, the CBD, Greerton, Pyes Pā, The Lakes/Tauriko, Ohauiti and Welcome Bay.

Whilst BOPRC is not responsible for the placement or provision of bus stops and shelters, any comments related to infrastructure will be passed onto Tauranga City Council for consideration.

Following public consultation, feedback will be analysed and incorporated into the proposal. BOPRC plan to share the updated network design in June 2023, then begin planning for implementation.

For more information, view the consultation booklet, which outlines proposed changes.

Submissions can be made online at: boprc.govt.nz/bus-network-refresh