PASSION FUELS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE

Waikato Pacific Island Community Services, was one who put her hand up to help steer the project.

‘‘We were pretty disappointed that we didn’t get the initial funding,’’ she said.

Yet the group is still determined to make the project a reality.

Extensive research and proposed ideas were put forward in the submission including the ‘‘successful’’ Matamata transport system model as an example.

The Matamata system currently runs two to three shuttles a day.

A hefty $ 50,000 in running costs is mainly paid for by passenger donations.

Rather than relying on donations, Henry said a Trust would source alternative funding.

‘‘We’re not going to rely on koha or donations... no-one is ever going to be turned away because they can’t give a donation,’’she said.

Henry said a trust deed has already been drafted for the South Waikato Transport Trust.

The original submission also broadened the scope of the system to ‘‘well-being’’, Henry said.

‘‘ We’re realistic too, about people going to Winz or their lawyers,’’she said.

The only system currently running out of Tokoroa is to the Waikato Hospital for renal appointments.

The three-day service picks up the first person as early as 5am.

‘‘It is needed for those that need renal treatment but it’s not ideal,’’ she said.

Tirau senior citizens president Bill Phillips was one who requested a system during the 2014-15 annual plan submissions.

‘‘I didn’t actually ask for money but it has raised a district awareness,’’ he said.

Phillips said it is ‘‘drastically needed’’ and he is pleased the issue has been acknowledged.

‘‘There’s an awful lot of talk going around,’’ he said.

He hopes the system will provide flexibility for the seniors.