New bus shelters are being added to about 140 bus stops across the city over the next 18 months to provide seating, weather protection, and increased safety and security for bus passengers.

Tauranga City Council is upgrading the stops to make it easier and more pleasant for people to use city bus services.

Transport director Brendan Bisley says public transport is essential to cater for Tauranga's growth by providing people with more convenient commuting options. It also helps people who can't drive, such as the elderly, young people and people with disabilities, to get involved in social and economic activities around Tauranga.

'A local rest home manager told us recently that residents had been asking for a bench at the bus stop on their stretch of road, so they were very pleased to see Council adding a new bus shelter.”

Some of the areas to benefit from these new shelters include Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui, Pyes Pā, Welcome Bay, the Avenues, Gate Pā, city centre, Ōtūmoetai and Bethlehem.