Recent reports regarding the future of Tauranga and suburbs' public bus services, especially the proposed Bayfair Bus Interchange and Park and Ride Hub have left me somewhat bemused.

Surely the two proposals are totally separate considerations, yet I am left with the distinct impression that only one might result from discussions.

The prime object is to ensure the daily services provide the best opportunities to board and alight at significant facilities such as shopping centres, parks, churches, schools, gated communities, beaches, accommodations, airport, cruise ship berths and inter-city transport locations. Only successful achievement if the bus stops and interchanges are placed at or near such facilities!

A Park and Ride Hub is worthy of consideration as a means of attracting more commuters to use buses but the location of same could only be yet another location to be added to the list above. Baypark would not be a location for a successful bus interchange and hub. The short-sighted Bayfair Complex 'problem' must be resolved or all else will fail.

Street-side parking for interchange buses (as evident in Willow Street) is totally unsatisfactory. Only facilities similar to that constructed in Hamilton will fit the bill for our fast-growing communities.

R Fowke, Papamoa.