Nearly 300 people climbed aboard the Richmond to Kaiteriteri bus this summer to enjoy a day at the beach using the trial bus service.
It may not have been as many people as expected, but more options are already being considered for next summer to get people to the beach without their vehicles.
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve chief executive officer, Mason Fitzgerald, says 296 people travelled on the bus during the six-week bus trial which ended on 4 February. That meant an average of 12.5 people used the bus each day it was running, which was Thursday to Sunday.
“It started strong in the peak but has reduced over the last few weeks. In terms of the trial, it has been successful, but not as constantly busy as envisioned.”
Now the reserve is looking at different options for next year, with potential involvement from councils and other operators. Among the possibilities is a park-and-ride from Riwaka.
The reserve partnered with Nelson Coachlines to create the service. Mason says the reserve heavily subsidised the price of this summer’s bus trips and was able to raise funds to cover that cost through the paid day-parking in the carpark. It enabled day trippers to have their day at the beach in Kaiteriteri for a $5 return bus trip.
Reserve staff have earlier said that one of the reasons for creating a bus service for beach goers was to reduce the number of vehicles heading to the beach where parking can be a struggle. It also enabled people who do not drive or have licences to have a day at the beach.
