FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
The editorial by Chris Hyde headed ‘Life in a warming Hawke's Bay, where 0.5pc of workers take public transport’ drew these comments:
● Shannon Andrea Austin: We live in CHB, we don't have public transport here, so what's the suggestion, if you work in Hastings or Napier?
● Laura Kessey: Back in 2016 (I know it's a while ago) before I had a vehicle, I attempted many times to use the bus services. I found them unreliable because they often wouldn’t run on time. I used to be late to class at EIT. I gave up after a while and rode to school (although another form of transport would've been more ideal because I'd turn up to class exhausted).
● Denise Gore: There are tour operators complaining the lack of tourists is killing their businesses but I'm seeing opportunities here. There has been a need for a service between CHB, Hastings and Napier for years. Students have to drive to get to the main EIT campus.
● Rose Halstead: And they want to start a new bus service with virtual stops on bus routes already in place what a joke give back a chunk of my rates or at least use it for something that will help the region.
● Jessica Squire: It takes over an hour on the bus to get from Havelock North to Camberley in Hastings. The same trip takes 20 minutes in a car.
● Miep Jager-Schiphorst: No bus service where I live.
● Sonya Smith: A passenger rail car from Wairoa to Hastings daily would be great. Those with hospital appointments could get a smooth ride, Wi-Fi, toilet.
● Adrian Fong: A lot of people work in Whakatu, yet the bus doesn’t even stop there. There are a few of other problems with our public transport network too. I’m happy to take public transport but only in Wellington and Auckland, thanks. HB I’ll drive coz it’s more convenient.
● Catherine Hawkins: Yet I’m charged an $85 public transport levy on my regional rates — and every other household in the region — is anyone going to ask if this is a good use of ratepayer funds and how it could be better managed?
● Helen Burgin: Passenger trains with more frequency from CHB to Napier would help we would use them at the weekends to take the kids rather than drive.
● Kodie Bridges: When the public transport is only a few buses that don’t go to all locations,what do you expect?
● Belinda VanderPeet: When only 2 buses are running through Clive — one at 7.30am and one at 5.30pm — not very convenient. When I was younger it was every hour.
● Bridget Paku: If buses don’t go in all suburbs how do they expect people to catch them?
● Katherine Steeds: How many bike or walk? That's good for the Earth too.
● Ben Evans: I'd really love to see a rail transport between Napier and CHB.
● David Stiles: How about proving a service then. We would take it if we had it. Awatoto/ TeAwa? Fat chance.