Te Pahi hits the road as TRC launches improved bus network

Today marks the start of revamped services with Te Pahi buses now sporting their distinctive green livery and new routes and timetables operational. 

Taranaki Regional Council Chair Craig Williamson says the excitement has been building for the launch with staff, drivers, councillors and bus users eagerly awaiting the launch and seeing Te Pahi buses hit the road across the region.   

“The launch marks a major milestone on our journey to improve public transport in our region,” says Mr Williamson. 

“The network has been designed by the people, for the people and we think it’s going to strengthen connectivity in Taranaki, allowing users to easily travel by bus to get to work, school, college, the hospital or to the shops. 

“All the improvements come at the same time that there has been a shift away from funding public transport by the government, so it’s been a balancing act to provide an updated network within severe funding constraints. 

“Having said that, the list of upgrades is impressive. We think Te Pahi is a great first step on the road to creating a modern, fit-for-purpose and easy-to-use public transport service.” 

Key improvements include better Saturday coverage with new trips between Hāwera-New Plymouth and Waitara–New Plymouth and 11 new electric buses added to the urban New Plymouth fleet.   

Other boosts to the network include: 

• Streamlined urban routes – more direct, faster and efficient services.
• Improved hospital access through Westown and Hurdon via Tukapa and David streets.
• The launch of a new dedicated website – tepahi.govt.nz – with improved real-time tracking and a new way to plan your journey.  
• The new unified Te Pahi brand replaces the old Citylink, Southlink and Connector brands.
• The launch follows extensive consultation on what the network should look like with feedback shaping the development of services based on the aspirations of the public.  

“We’re particularly pleased to see 11 new electric buses now on our roads, meaning our New Plymouth urban fleet is now fully electric. These clean, green vehicles match the green livery of Te Pahi and will be instrumental in helping the Council achieve our goal of zero public transport emissions by 2035,” added Mr Williamson. 

“With the new website providing lots of user-friendly features like journey planning and real-time tracking and a recognisable and striking brand, the new network has a strong Taranaki identity we can be proud of.” 

Other improvements include a trial Waitara morning loop operating on weekday mornings during school terms to support access to Waitara schools. The service will be available to all passengers. Accessibility in Omata is also being boosted by new bus stops. 

There have been a number of service reductions or changes from the old network, mainly driven by low patronage which made the services uneconomical and unsustainable within the current funding environment for public transport. These include:  

• The Ōpunake–New Plymouth middle of the day trips reduced from five to two days a week.
• Hāwera to Pātea once a week (no longer extending to Waverley).  
• Removal of some early morning (7am) services due to low patronage; some 7am trips will continue on select routes. Evening services from Monday–Wednesday (6:20pm) will be removed, with Thursday and Friday evening services remaining.  
• Minor updates to South Taranaki fare zones to align with the wider network.  
• The Ōpunake–Hāwera route will no longer travel via Kaponga due to low demand.  
• Removal of 6am southbound and 5.20pm northbound trips on the service between Hawera and New Plymouth.

For information about the routes and timetables, head to tepahi.govt.nz