Whanganui bus use soars after network changes

Changes to the Whanganui urban bus network have seen passenger numbers more than double when compared to the same time last year.

Horizons Regional Council manager transport services Mark Read says the city’s bus network changed on 17 April, with the network now focused on getting as many people on board buses as possible.
 
“Changes included adding a second high-frequency Tide route, later services throughout the week, having high-frequency routes go past most high schools, increasing Saturday services and introducing Sunday services,” says Mr Read.
 
“The new network recorded 31,411 passenger trips in its first month of operation, a 110% increase on the same month in 2025 when there were 14,994 passenger trips.
 
“While we ran free fares for the first month so people could try out the new network, this patronage growth goes well beyond what we usually see when we put free fares on for events such as Whanganui Vintage Weekend and Christmas parades.”
 
There has been patronage growth on all days of the week, with weekend services – including the new Sunday services – going especially well, says Mr Read.
 
“It’s great to see people using the services for all sorts of trips across Whanganui. With more frequency across the city, and new services to places like Pūtiki, it’s easier than ever to create community connections and save money by using our bus services.
 
“We will continue to monitor the performance of the network, including any common issues people have, and will make tweaks if required.
 
“We will also have staff at the Whanganui Riverside Markets this Saturday, 23 May, to answer questions people may have about the new network. We’ll also have timetables and free Bee Cards, helping people to figure out their connections and how to pay the lowest fares possible.”
 
For more information about the Whanganui urban bus network, see https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport/whanganui-network.
 
For more information about public transport in the Horizons Region, including journey planning tools and information about how to get a Bee Card, see horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport or follow Connect - Horizons Regional Transport on Instagram and Facebook.