A Connector bus will run between Thames and Coromandel town four days a week from December 18 as part of a 13-week trial.
Thames-Coromandel District Council said it was granted recovery funding from the Ministry of Social Development for the trial to reconnect communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and whānau.
The service will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with tickets $5 each way, under 14s free. The vans hold up to 11 passengers, so bookings are essential.
Community partnerships co-ordinator Helen Flynn said council was looking forward to having the service up and running for communities who needed it.
“As people have told us, being able to access appointments, key services and work is so important. It will also help to reduce isolation by supporting friends and whānau to spend time together over the holiday season. We are asking our locals to get behind this trial, spread the word and use the service.”
The trial follows a community survey run by council, which aimed to understand the level of interest in a public transport service between Thames and Coromandel township.
Next steps will be assessed towards the end of the trial, depending on its use and sustainable funding options.
