New bus service gives locals an option

 

A new transport initiative introduced by the Rodney Local Board has caught the attention of Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who has applauded the board for its forward thinking.

Two new bus services, launched recently, will provide essential public transport services to rural residents in Wellsford and Helensville. 
They are the first two projects to be funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate.

The 998 bus service will run on an hourly schedule between Wellsford and Warkworth seven days per week, while the other runs every 90 minutes from Helensville to Hibiscus Coast Station via Kaukapakapa and Waitoki.

However, both services will join up with the wider Auckland public transport network.

“Thanks to the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate, we now have new efficient and reliable bus services between Wellsford and Warkworth, and between Helensville and Hibiscus Coast,” says Phil Goff.

This new bus services will be of interest to the local communities of Mangawhai and Kaiwaka who want to travel to North Shore areas without the hassle of driving themselves. It is also seen as a way of improving congestion in the lower north area.

“Introducing a new bus service is more complex than you think,” says Rodney Local Board Deputy chair Phelan Pirrie. “Public transport is a lifeline to many people living in rural areas, especially those that don’t drive. Rodney continues to grow in popularity and numbers and we need to bring forward transport projects our community tells us are important.” 

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Rodney Local Board chair Beth Houlbrook.