Bus travel will be free across Taranaki on Friday 20 September, as Taranaki Regional Council celebrates World Car Free Day.
The annual event, recognised by more than 2000 cities worldwide, encourages people to leave their cars at home and embrace sustainable travel options, promoting a cleaner and healthier future.
World Car Free Day officially falls on Sunday, 22 September, however public bus services do not operate on Sundays.
The Council’s Transport Engagement Manager, Cheryl Gazley, says the Council decided to celebrate a couple of days early so everyone could get on board.
"By marking the event on Friday, we hope that everyone has the chance to experience the convenience and benefits of bus travel, helping to reduce pollution and congestion in our region."
On Friday 20 September, all urban Citylink, school Citylink, Connector, Your Connector and Southlink bus services will be free for all passengers all day . Bee Cards, which are normally $5, will also be available free from all retailers*.
Ms Gazley says that these services, which collectively transport more than 3,000 passengers daily, are key to making this initiative widely accessible.
"This is both a small thank you to regular passengers and an incentive for new passengers to give buses a go and experience the ease and many benefits of public transport.
"We hope people take advantage of this free offer and join us on board this World Car Free Day. No need for a Bee Card or a cash fare, just show up, hop on board and get to where you need to go.”
World Car Free Day encourages communities to consider sustainable alternatives to private vehicles for daily travel. By offering free bus travel and free Bee Cards the Council aims to inspire residents to explore eco-friendly transportation options, reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future for Taranaki.
For more information, bus services timetables and a list of Bee Card retailers please visit trc.govt.nz/buses-transport
Taranaki Bee Card retailers:
- New Plymouth i-SITE located within the Puke Ariki building on St Aubyn Street, New Plymouth | 10am-5pm daily
- Tranzit at 15 Sunley Street, Westown | 8am-5pm Monday to Friday
- Bell Block Library at 88 Parklands Avenue | 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9am-6pm Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-12pm Saturday
- Waitara Library at 15 Queen Street | 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday,9am-6pm Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-12pm Saturday
- Stratford i-SITE inside the Stratford Library in Prospero Place | 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturdays
- South Taranaki i-SITE at 55 High Street, Hawera | 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm weekends
- Ōpunake LibraryPlus at 43 Tasman Street, Ōpunake | 9am-5pm Monday - Friday & 9am-12.30pm Saturday
*Only while stocks last, limited number available. One per person.