Go Bus Ltd will provide Napier-Hastings bus services for a further nine years after winning a contract commencing August 1, 2016, next year.
The company says it will invest more than $2.5 million in new vehicles and technology for this particular contract.
It has provided the service since February 2009. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) is required to put the service out to tender every nine years from now on.
The NZ Transport Agency and HBRC have invested significant resource in the network since February 2009, resulting in more frequent services on key routes and growth in passenger numbers of around 60%.
HBRC has improved passenger information, including online timetables, and with the cooperation of local councils has installed additional bus shelters and improved bus stops, making it easier for passengers to catch a bus.
“The regional council is pleased to continue its productive working relationship with Go Bus and looks forward to building on the improvements,” says Regional Councillor Alan Dick, chair of the Regional Transport Committee.
“Go Bus is pleased to be awarded the contract to continue operating the Napier and Hastings bus service for the next nine years,” says Go Bus managing director Calum Haslop.
“We are very proud of the standard of services we have provided, and the patronage growth achieved over the last six years. We now look forward to continuing the delivery of high-quality bus services to the region,” he says.
“We feel part of this community, as a local operator and employer, and are pleased to have been able to deliver ongoing savings to ratepayers as a result of our low-cost operating model,” says Haslop.
“We will be investing over $2.5m in new vehicles and technology for this contract and expect ongoing growth in these services,” he says.
