Ashhurst to Palmerston North bus service no longer a trial

Horizons Regional Council is celebrating the retender of the Ashhurst to Palmerston North bus service following strong passenger growth, cementing the service’s place past its initial trial period.

The trial of the Ashhurst to Palmerston North passenger transport service began in 2016, and over the last three years has seen steadily increasing uptake of passengers.
 
Horizons Passenger Transport Committee chair Cr Rachel Keedwell says Horizons Passenger Transport Committee agreed to the retender of the service at its February meeting due to this uptake.
 
“To see the patronage grow from over 5,500 passengers in its first year to now over 8,880 passengers in the last financial year is really pleasing and shows great support from the Ashhurst community,” says Ms Keedwell.
 
“The contract has been re-awarded to Uzabus for a three-year period, with no timetable changes.”
 
“If we continue to see strong growth for this service, we may consider additions in the future. As part of our celebrations, we are providing bus users with the opportunity to win small prizes as part of our thanks and encouragement.”
 
Timetables for the service can be found at www.horizons.govt.nz.