The free trial of the Connector service between Coromandel Town and Thames has been extended for a further three months until June 18.
Thames-Coromandel District Council said almost 300 trips have been made on the service since it began on December 18 last year. The Connector service is funded by a government storm recovery grant, in order to reconnect our communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and whānau.
Council said there was currently no further funding secured for council to continue the trial past June 18.
“Waikato Regional Council (WRC) is responsible for the long-term planning, management and provision of public transport in our region. We will be sharing the data and feedback from the trial with WRC and the Government in order to discuss options for funding local transport options long-term,” council said in a statement.
Waikato Regional Council is currently considering the region’s transport options for inclusion in their 2024-2034 Long Term Plan and in the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2024–2054 (RLTP).
This includes consideration of potential bus transport options for the Coromandel Peninsula and public transport funding models.
The draft Land Transport Plan also includes funding for long-term road improvements in the Coromandel to make the network more resilient to extreme weather events.
The draft Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2024–2054 (RLTP) is open for consultation until March 4.
