Free buses and free parking, all the stops are being pulled to bring Christmas shoppers into the central business district.
Free Saturday buses into and out of the city centre are being continued for December, says Bay of Plenty Regional Council transport policy manager Garry Maloney.
'We've had some wonderful feedback on the promotion – from both shoppers saying how convenient it is to take the bus to get their shopping done, and from shopkeepers who have noticed more people about on Saturdays,” says Garry.
'They say it's really creating a festive mood in the city which is adding to the festive feel.”
More than 7300 people took the free bus on Saturday November 13.
'Even the least popular day had more than 5500 passengers use the bus – that's 3000 more than the average Saturday for the previous three months,” says Garry.
'It's also been a great way for people to experience the simplicity of taking a bus, not having to worry about traffic or parking.”
The buses will not operate on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile Tauranga City Council advises there will be free use of the Spring Street and Elizabeth Street parking buildings on the Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas.
Free parking days are December 11, 12, 18 and 19.
On Thursday, December 23 both parking buildings will be open until 8pm but normal parking rates apply.
Normal parking rates also apply on Friday, December 24, and the parking building will close at the normal time of 6.30pm.
The parking buildings will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and on January 2.
Normal operating hours and charges will apply on all other days.
7 comments
Why just Tauranga
Posted on 10-12-2010 13:06 | By DaKiwiBean
It's very interesting how all the effort seems to focus on the Tauranga CBD. Should the ‘free' service be also offered to the other shopping centres? All the promotion is focused to assist the CBD. Other centre's are also having a difficult time and need all the assistance that can received. Business owners contribute equally and should be entitled to receive a fair share. Or is the answer simple, Shopping away from the CBD is a much better experience and more enjoyable?
Thanks
Posted on 10-12-2010 15:58 | By waiknot
As a taxi operator I would like to thank you for giving my customers and potential customers a free alternative. once you have decimated my business perhaps you could come up with a plan to help me as well.
Christchurch buses
Posted on 10-12-2010 16:05 | By maggiebop
I really hope someone has done a study of the bus system in Chch. They have a free bus service thru the city every 10 mins, yes, that's right every 10 mins. The fares are cheaper and buses more frequent on general routes too. PLEASE go study
Be realistic.
Posted on 10-12-2010 16:36 | By Chaudog
Waiknot: If you are concerned with the impact the free bus service has on your business, maybe you should become a bit more proactive in finding ways to add value to your service rather than sitting back and complaining.
free every day
Posted on 10-12-2010 18:07 | By tahi.paihikara@gmail.com
why not making it free on all days - monday to friday. the benfit has been proven for the saturdays, now just keep on going.
Buses
Posted on 10-12-2010 20:46 | By Rik
Buses cant be free everyday cause then rates would double. Tauranga is not christchurch and we are not as large as christchurch therefore can't afford free buses and buses every ten minutes. They are mostly every half hour which is not bad. The bus service is an excellent way off traveling around town and cheap.
Free buses what next free lunches
Posted on 13-12-2010 07:05 | By Ratcatcher
While there can be little issue taken with the concept it must be said that TCC have over a number of years shafted the CBD. Address the underlying problems first like parking meters & bus centres etc rather than handouts and ambulances at the bottom of the cliff.Had voters had the brains to vote for the right people in October there was at least a fighting chance but thats gone now .So enjoy the mess created TCC citizens responsible for it.You get what you sow rubbish in rubbish out
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