No local public transport service

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 436, 12 May 1992, Page 3

No local public transport service

There is now virtually no public transport service in the Waimarino. A shuttle service, run by local man Joe Clark, which provided a link with Intercity bus services until Easter, has been axed. Intercity gave Mr Clark just a few days' notice of their decision to cut the subsidy to his service, effectively canning it as it was not viable without the subsidy. Mr Clark ran the service twice a day, seven days a week.

He has said he would consider reinstating the service if an alternative source of subsidy became available. The only semblance of a public transport service left is the train between Ohakune and Waiouru, which would cost $27.00 one way. "I've never sold a ticket just to Waiouru," said Ruapehu Visitor Centre manager Rose Pepere. She said the shuttle service was not used much in summer but had

been busy in winter. Mrs Pepere said there had been very little feedback about the cuts. "But its the sort of thing that people won't complain about until they need it." Ruapehu South Business Association chairman Sue Allomes is to approach the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council, to put the case for Waimarino. The reg'onal council carries a responsibility for some public transport services in the area.