Coromandel Town-Thames Connector bus trial extended until 18 June 2024
The free trial of the Connector service between Coromandel Town and Thames has been extended for a further three months until Tuesday 18 June 2024.
Almost 300 trips have been made on the service since it began on 18 December. This Connector service is funded by a Government storm recovery grant, in order to reconnect our communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and whānau.
There is currently no further funding secured for our Council to continue the trial past 18 June. 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.
Waikato Regional Council are 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.
About the service
The Coromandel Town-Thames Connector service runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (see the full schedule below). Tickets are free, but booking is essential. The trial will run until Tuesday 18 June 2024.
The vans hold up to 11 passengers, so please make sure to book your place ahead of time. To book, please text the correct provider shown on the schedule below. Please include your name, the service time and the town you are being picked up from.
If you need help booking, please contact our customer services team on customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz or 07 868 0200.
Stops
• Thames bus stop: 200 Mary Street, outside the Civic Centre
• Te Puru: Aputa Avenue
• Waiomu Reserve
• Tapu Reserve
• Te Mata Point Reserve
• Manaia: Parking bays at Te Wharekura o Manaia (off Goldfields Road)
• Coromandel Town: Woollams Avenue carpark
Communitysurvey
The trial began following a survey run by our Council, which received 170 responses. Out of these:
• 86 percent of respondents said they would use a Connector service between Coromandel Town and Thames if it was available.
• People felt the service was important as it would increase access for people needing healthcare (including the dentist, eye/ear checks, and the hospital), groceries, as well as work opportunities and other appointments.
• Respondents hoped it would reduce isolation and help people to travel safely and feel more independent. Some also felt it would also be helpful for tourists, help to reduce traffic on the road, and be beneficial for the environment.
• Eighteen percent of respondents said that age, or a disability, prevented them from driving.
• Just over half of respondents said they would use the service regularly (at least once a month).
• Medical appointments, visiting shops, pharmacies and banks, and connecting with family/whānau were the main reasons given for using the service.
• Fridays were the most popular day requested for a service, while the interest the remaining weekdays was relatively even. Sundays were the least popular day.
Contact details
Community Partnerships team
07 868 0200