Transport

A key role for a regional council is the strategic planning for public and land transport networks, to provide economic, sustainability and safe connections across and beyond our rohe.

While our public transport services get a lot of attention, we also support a range of community services. Many of these services support people who need to travel across the Horizons Region to medical appointments.

The Total Mobility taxi subsidy scheme is for people with disabilities. The scheme, funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and regional councils across Aotearoa New Zealand, to provide funding options to people with disabilities or mobility issues.

The Capital Connection is the primary rail service in the Horizons Region. The service runs weekdays from Palmerston North in the morning (departing at 6.15am) and returns from Wellington in the evening (departing 5.15pm), with stops along the way in Shannon, Levin, Ōtaki, Waikanae and Paraparaumu. Tickets to travel on the Capital Connection can be purchased from Palmerston North’s iSite building in Te Marae o Hine – The Square, or you can purchase your ticket on board the train with cash, EFTPOS card, debit card or credit card. Bee Cards are not accepted as a form of payment on the Capital Connection.

As a regional council, one of our roles is to coordinate and implement road safety activities working in partnership with local district and city councils, NZ Police, ACC, and community groups to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads. Learn more about what we do below.