The Otumoetai and Pillans Point bus route is changing next month to accommodate more residents.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council advises bus route 62 will change from Thursday, August 1 to become Pillans Road, Pine Avenue, Seaview Road, Bureta Road, Vale Street and Chapel Street.

The route 62 bus will extend its service from August 1.

The change follows a month-long period of consultation with affected residents and existing bus users.

Council says it will meet the needs of elderly and those with mobility impairments, while also providing connections with the upper Bureta shops. The alternative route 60 will be available to residents on Vale and Chapel Streets.

Four new bus stops have been installed along the new section of route 62 – two on Pillans Road and two on Bureta Road. Other improvements along the new section, including more bus stops and bus shelters, are planned for the future.

Any impact on travel times as a result of the change is expected to be minimal.

A map is available on the BOPRC website and further information about the new Tauranga route is available at www.baybus.co.nz.