Transport discussed

Nga¯ kaikawenga ka ko¯ rerotia

A promising new transport system needs to function districtwide when the wheels eventually start turning.

That was the overwhelming message sent at a public meeting held in South Waikato District Council chambers.

More than 30 people from across the district packed the chambers on July 16 to discuss the project’s future following the allocation of $200,000 towards it from the $5 community development fund.

After just 90 minutes of debate the crowd established a nine- man steering committe that would oversee how that money is spent.

Barbara McGregor, Catherine Gros, Mick Jones, Lisa Bright, Margaret Emerson, Majorie Roberts, Norm Barker, Gordon Fuller and Akarere Henry will determine the future of the longawaited transport service.

Council communications manager Kerry Fabrie said the group would create a report for council approval that showed information such as the current transport services available.

They would then recommend a service that could be implemented in the South Waikato, she said.

Steering committee member Gordon Fuller said they had a hard task. ‘‘I think the hopes of what they want is to supply transport from Tirau, Putaruru and Tokoroa to the hospital.

‘‘The trouble is to go all the way out to say Waotu to pick up one person and take them in to town is very costly.’’

He said the ideal solution would involve collaboration to ensure the vehicle was full when travelling out of Tokoroa.

Fuller, who has been in the transport industry for the past 22 years, said Tokoroa’s elderly were eligible for half-price taxi fares so he saw them as provided for. Those living out of town were the ones who really need assistance, he said.