Trial line added to new Palmy bus network for Awapuni and Roslyn residents

Awapuni and Roslyn residents are getting a trial bus line as part of the new Palmy bus network, providing another option for weekday travel.

Palmerston North and Ashhurst residents will have a new bus network from 4 March 2024, with fast, frequent, easy-to-understand and direct lines replacing the current loops which meander through suburbs.
 
Horizons Regional Council manager transport services Mark Read says the new network, which was established after consultation with the community and consideration of how public transport works in similar sized cities across the world, will mean a longer walk to bus stops for some people.
 
“The new network has been designed to significantly increase public transport use in the city and create a real alternative to using the car. We stand behind the key design principles of the new network and believe the higher frequency, longer running times each day, easy-to-understand lines and fully electric fleet will be a real benefit for Palmy.
 
“However, we recognise any change will have positive impacts for some people and negative impacts for others. In the months leading up to the new network launching, we have consistently heard people in Awapuni and Roslyn have a real need for public transport to run along similar streets to the current network.”
 
The Roslyn-Awapuni line will start at Clyde Cres before going along Vogel St, Rangiora Ave, Koromiko Ave, Ruahine St, Grey St, Albert St, then Main St into the city centre. It would then travel along Church St, Fitzherbert Ave, Ferguson St and Rugby St. The Awapuni-Roslyn line will do the same in the opposite order.
 
“The service will run four times in each direction on weekdays at off-peak times between 9am and 3pm, beginning the same day as the rest of the new network,” says Mr Read.
 
“The line will initially run for six months, during which time patronage will be measured. A decision on the future of the line will happen after that.
 
“We also plan to assess the performance of the new network, which will inform any further potential additions to the network.
 
“We want to thank Tranzit for working with us to make this line possible on short notice.”
 
For more information about the incoming new network, see https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport or follow Connect - Horizons Regional Transport on Instagram and Facebook.

Image: The route the Roslyn-Awapuni line will take.