New bus link for north Nelson
A new minbus service linking the city to north Nelson has started a 10-week pilot, with its future depending on how well it is used.
The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust scheme began on Tuesday. Its 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus has been sponsored by Bowater Toyota and the pilot is also supported by the Nelson City Council.
Volunteer drivers are behind the wheel for the service that runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between Wakatu Square carpark and Hira School.
On Saturdays it will also run to the Cable Bay Adventure Park.
Trust co-ordinator Jude Tarr said there had been renewed interest in a north Nelson public transport service after speed limits went up to 100kph on parts of State Highway 6 earlier this year as part of the Government’s reversal of previous speed cuts.
North Nelson road users said they felt vulnerable with trucks travelling at increased speeds, and believed a minibus service would provide a safer, and more environmentally friendly, option.
Thee trust, which already has services between Motueka and Richmond, and in Māpua, gauged support through an online survey and attending community events.
Tarr said 15 volunteer drivers had come forward, allowing the service to operate four days a week.
Bookings for the $3 each-way service were essential by calling 03 528-6543 so the demand could be gauged and seats allocated. While there were designated stops, inlcuding the Atawhai Community Church and Glenduan Beach, the minibus could pull over anywhere along the route as long as it was safe to do so.
Some workers at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park in Glenduan had already indicated they would use the service.
Tarr said they needed as many people as possible to book so the pilot project could transition into a 12-month trial. More drivers would be needed for that as well as funds for a permanent vehicle.
“I think community transport is more than just travelling. It’s a nice way for the community to show that it cares about each other and that they have the power and the control and the energy to do something about it.”
“Part of our goals are to really look at habit changing – what will it take to really get the community behind it and saying I might just leave my car behind today and I’ll go with my friends that catch the bus.”
Tarr said the Saturday timetable aimed to get people into the city for the Nelson market, and out to Glenduan and the Cable Bay Adventure Park.
The bus can carry up to three bikes, but e-bike batteries have to be removed to meet weight restrictions on the rack. There are also two new lock-up areas for bikes at the Nelson North Country Club and Atawhai Community Church.
The pilot will run until October 25.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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