Connector Bus trial under way
aim to reconnect Coromandel’s communities
Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) has been granted recovery funding from the Ministry of Social Development to trial a Connector service between Thames and Coromandel Town.
The aim is to reconnect our communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and wha¯nau.
The service started just before Christmas and runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (see the full schedule below) for 13 weeks.
The trial follows a community survey run by TCDC, which looked to understand the level of interest in a Connector service between Thames and Coromandel Town. The positive responses showed there was an appetite for a service to help isolated communities to access work, education, events, appointments, and other necessary services.
The survey received 170 responses. Out of these:
■ 86 per cent of respondents said they would use a Connector service between Coromandel Town and Thames if it was available.
■ People felt the service was important as it would increase access for people needing healthcare (including the dentist, eye/ear checks, and the hospital), groceries, as well as work opportunities and other appointments.
■ Respondents hoped it would reduce isolation and help people to travel safely and feel more independent. Some also felt it would also be helpful for tourists, help to reduce traffic on the road, and be beneficial for the environment.
■ 18 per cent of respondents said that age, or a disability, prevented them from driving.
■ Just over half of respondents said they would use the service regularly (at least once a month).
■ Medical appointments, visiting shops, pharmacies and banks, and connecting with family/wha¯ nau were the main reasons given for using the service.
■ Fridays were the most popular day requested for a service, while the interest the remaining weekdays was relatively even. Sundays were the least popular day.
The next steps will be assessed towards the end of the trial, depending on its use and sustainable funding options. The council says they understand other areas in the Coromandel also have transport needs, and conversations about wider transport services are being held with Waikato Regional Council.
■ Tickets are $5 each way (under 14s are free) and users can pay by cash or Eftpos on the day.
■ Services will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
■ Coromandel Town bus stop: Woollams Ave carpark
■ Thames bus stop: 200 Mary St, outside the Civic Centre
The vans hold up to 11 passengers, and to book, travellers can text the correct provider shown on the schedule below. Please include your name, the service time and the town you are being picked up from.
Coromandel Bus stop located within Woollams Ave carpark, Thames Bus stop 200 Mary St, outside the Civic Centre.