They're the sunny-coloured metal wagons that weave through our region, stopping here and there – but which Tauranga folk use them and what do they think needs changing?

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has announced this month that they are looking to use current public transport resources more efficiently and to make bus travel easier as part of proposed changes to the Tauranga bus network.

In a statement, BOPRC transport planning manager Oliver Haycock says an effective public transport system is a crucial part to Tauranga city's growth. 'This project proposes changing bus routes and adjusting services to address known challenges experienced by our customers and to meet demand.” The Weekend Sun hit Cameron Rd and Downtown Tauranga to see what people's thoughts on our city's buses services are.

'It's alright,” says CBD worker Wade Baker. 'I've caught it a couple of times from Papamoa and it's equivalent to being on a motorbike because I ride a motorbike, so it gets me to work on time.”

Wade Baker

Snobs

'I think a lot of people are snobs,” says Kayce France, who was in town for a library visit. 'I mean I probably wouldn't get on it normally…but a lot of my friends and family they just won't use it because they just wouldn't be seen dead on a bus. [However] They've all got beautiful upholstery, they're all in really good nick, and they're lovely.”

Tauriko and consistency

'I never use the bus service,” says Tauriko resident Harman Singh. 'If they run more services towards Tauriko then I would think about using the bus service more often.

'It's not reliable, it's always running late…I think it is a big deal with the bus driver shortages and sometimes they get late or cancel the buses.”

Joy Sadler, who uses a car to get around the city, says: 'I think there needs to be a lot more consistency because you've got some areas that use buses that used to go there and now they don't just by going on what some people say”.

Harman Singh.

Joy Sadler.

New route

One of the project proposals is the new Route 1 service, which would run the entire length of Cameron Rd before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Mount Maunganui. So what do people think of this new potential route? Wade says he's for it. 'If it was like a Friday afternoon drinks and I catch the bus to the Mount then I'd probably carry on to the Mount Mellick.”

Ōtūmoetai resident Graham Stewart says: 'As long as it doesn't clog everything up like it was before”. 'That's the biggest problem, clogging up all the roads and that and actually getting people on the transport like in Auckland they're still at half fees and are asking for zero fees in Auckland to support the service.

'I think the biggest thing is trying to get the right timetable. I think our one goes at ten past six in the morning…they need to have it right for the people that rely on buses.”

You can share your thoughts on what the city's bus services need. Public consultation is open until Friday, April 28. Submissions can be made online at: boprc.govt.nz/bus-network-refresh

Graham Stewart.