Levin to Waikanae bus ready to roll
A bus service from Levin to Waikanae is set to roll out for a two-year trial period.
After the wheels almost came off when the Greater Wellington Regional Council did not include it in its passenger transport plan in August 2016, the bus service is now ready to move from March 7.
The bus route crosses a regional boundary and now Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Council were now both contributing $12,500 a year toward the project.
Horizons transport planner Jayme Anderson said the bus, run by Uzabus, would operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Typically, off-peak services like this one, ran during the week, which was why those days were chosen, Anderson said.
The service was timed to connect with the Metro trains into Wellington and provided a way for Levin shoppers to get to Waikanae.
Horowhenua District Council community services manager Denise Kidd said the Older Persons Network supported increased affordable and accessible public transport options such as the Levin-to-Waikanae service.
‘‘[Transport] is a particular issue for older people living in the Horowhenua district,’’ Kidd said. ‘‘Social connectedness is important for health and well-being.’’
The council was not funding the service, but it looked forward to the service starting in March, Kidd said.
SuperGold Card holders could travel for free between 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm on weekdays, as well as on weekends and public holidays.
For adults, a one-way fare will cost between $5.50 to $6 and children under 5 years old could travel for free.