Residents want zoo buses back
Calls are mounting for scrapped buses to and from Wellington Zoo to be reinstated, after concerns that the reduced schedule is affecting both the zoo and south Wellington residents.
Two all-day routes previously serviced the popular visitor attraction, but were removed in July when Wellington’s new bus network was introduced.
They were replaced with one bus that only runs during peak periods.
Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield has long protested the move, and now a community petition to bring back the bus services has gathered more than 600 signatures.
‘‘Prior to the 2018 bus changes, we had a direct trolley bus service to Wellington Zoo from the [Wellington] railway station: the No 10 during the week and the No 23 on weekends,’’ the petition, on change.org, says.
‘‘Since July, there has been no direct service to the zoo.
‘‘Instead, you have to catch a highfrequency bus to Wellington Hospital, then catch a ‘feeder’ bus from Wellington Hospital to the zoo . . .’’
The connecting bus was also often late, with the next service half an hour away, the petition says.
‘‘Another concern is that people do not use public transport to the zoo, instead using their cars, which in turn adds to traffic congestion.’’
Fifield said she was told by Greater Wellington Regional Council the new routes were designed to fit in with the new network which was based on ‘‘hubs’’ – places where commuters transfer from core routes to feeder routes.
It had affected zoo staff who worked outside of peak times and were no longer able to catch a direct bus home, and she also feared it would have a negative impact on visitor numbers.
‘‘We’re the second most-visited tourist attraction in the city and we’re the only one affected this badly by the buses.’’
Wellington City councillor Fleur Fitzsimons agreed the new service was not good enough.
‘‘It’s a major problem that one of our best tourism spots can’t now be easily accessed by public transport during the day.’’
A regional council spokesman said the council and the zoo were jointly developing some options for consideration early next year.
The council agreed earlier this year to look into discounted bus fares for tourists visiting the attraction, and a possible shuttle service.
Clearer timetable information will also be provided at main bus stops for journeys to the zoo, Weta Workshop, the Mt Victoria lookout, and other popular tourist spots.