Bay of Plenty Regional Council is launching a new Baybus OnDemand public transport service on Monday, March 25.

"Set to run for up to 18 months, the OnDemand trial reflects our commitment to offering more attractive and sustainable transport choices for our community," says a council spokesperson.

Baybus OnDemand in Tauranga South is a corner-to-corner rideshare service featuring a fleet of electric minivans. The council says these smaller vehicles will provide flexible connections between local destinations and link passengers to the wider Baybus network, adapting in real-time to customer needs.

The new service will be operating within Tauranga South including Gate Pā, Greerton, Parkvale, Pyes Pā, Tauriko and The Lakes.

It will be available daily from 6am to 7pm, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day. People can book via a dedicated app, Baybus OnDemand, calling 0800 4 BAYBUS (0800 4 229 287) or in person at a participating Book on Behalf organisation or business.

The standard fare is $3.40 per trip, reduced to $2.72 with a Bee Card which adheres to the current Baybus fare structure. Baybus concessions and transfers are available, and payment can be made via app with a credit/debit card or by a Bee Card.

“Our OnDemand vans don't follow set routes," says BOPRC Public Transport Director Mike Seabourne. "Instead, they take the most efficient path to your destination, considering the needs of all passengers onboard."

Mike says this approach ensures less waiting time and a more direct journey, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

“Baybus OnDemand is perfect for our senior residents and families. It means hassle-free trips to essential services like Grace Hospital or places of worship," says Mike.

"Families will appreciate the ease of errands to Tauranga Crossing, shopping in Fraser Cove or getting to after school activities. OnDemand is about freedom and convenience - taking you where you need to go, when you need to be there.

“This service represents a new era of public transport - adaptable, efficient, and eco-friendly.”

Mercury is sponsoring the trial, which includes providing electric chargers for the fleet, which comprises four eight-seater electric minivans and one five-seater equipped with ramps and a wheelchair hoist.

Council says this support, as well as funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, technology from Via and experienced operator Ritchies, played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life.  

“Renewable electricity is New Zealand’s competitive advantage," says Mercury spokesperson Lucie Drummond.

"We’re excited to play a role in supporting New Zealand’s energy transition, including by making e.transport more accessible for communities through initiatives like this.”

The council says as they introduce Baybus OnDemand, the Route 51 bus service from Pyes Pā to Tauranga Crossing will be removed from Tauranga’s urban Baybus network.

"We plan to monitor use closely, but at this stage, we are not proposing to make changes to other urban routes or school bus services. Our goal is to complement fixed public transport routes, aiming to increase overall patronage and efficiency."

For more details or to start using Baybus OnDemand

• Visit baybus.co.nz/ondemand
• Baybus OnDemand app will be available for download from your preferred app store, starting Monday March 18.
• The service commences from Monday March 25.

 About the Baybus OnDemand trial

The trial, which is set to run for up to 18 months in Tauranga South, will explore the effectiveness of on-demand services in complementing or replacing traditional bus routes, with a focus on improving public transport's reach, efficiency, and user satisfaction.