Actual bus travellers need to be heard

Re: ‘Bus stop gets the drop' page 3, The Weekend Sun, May 5, 2023.

Regarding the Grace Hospital bus stop I am appalled that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council does not intend to include that stop in its proposed ‘new' network. This shows a complete lack of understanding or empathy for bus users.

As a former user of that stop, I know exactly where Chris Jaeger is coming from. Grace is a hospital, in case BOPRC transport committee members need reminding. It is widely used and not all patients/out-patients are drivers – including the elderly. I, for example, used the stop regularly during the latter stages of hip replacement surgery. Having the stop helped in inclement weather or when a ride was unavailable. Even friends/family with cars have lives and other commitments.

It would seem that while the push seems to be for increased public transport usage, actual traveller needs are not being fully taken into account. That bus stop at Grace is needed.

To ignore this is to once again show contempt for the travelling public and a very cavalier attitude to their needs. I defy any of you to walk 10 minutes uphill in all weathers and that is simply while the Number 51 route exists. Once that goes where then for Grace patients? I certainly don't see BOPRC issuing taxi vouchers.

Anna Rogers, Tauranga City.

1 comment

Bus Stop

Posted on 23-05-2023 17:18 | By peanuts9

I find the outrage about the covered bus stop by Grace hospital no longer being used. I have been travelling to Grace hospital from Greerton for 4.5 years. In that time, the covered stop has never been used by the No1 bus. There used to be a sign on it stating it was for school buses only & the No1 bus stopped at the other end of Grace hospital. This then meant a long walk on the road, an extremely risky business or on the grass, also dangerous, especially in wet weather. This stop disappeared when the route changed some time ago. Since then it I have had to use taxis & still do.


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