Baybus OnDemand stays on the road into 2026
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has confirmed the Baybus OnDemand trial in Tauranga South will continue into 2026, following strong community support and growing demand.
Baybus OnDemand replaces a traditional fixed-route service with a flexible, app-based model that allows people to book shared rides in real time to and from more than 1,600 virtual stops across the service zone. Since the service launched in March 2024, more than 41,000 rides have been completed.
The trial was originally set to run until September 2025, but funding through Regional Council’s Annual Plan 2025/26 has ensured an extension until April 2026.
Regional Council Transport Director Oliver Haycock says the extension gives Regional Council more time to assess how flexible public transport options, such as Baybus OnDemand, can meet community needs.
“People are using it to get to work, medical appointments, shopping and more. It’s helping fill the gaps in areas where traditional routes don’t always work as well.”
“It’s an opportunity to explore how public transport can work in new and more effective ways, while also assessing the impact of recent fare changes.”
A review of the trial’s first year saw an increased uptake of the service in the second half of the year, a 64% increase in fare revenue, and a significant drop in the average subsidy per ride (when compared to the fixed-route service it replaced). These results are being used to inform how flexible public transport could be delivered in the future. Fare changes were introduced in April 2025 as part of the trial’s next phase and are now being monitored to assess their impact.
The decision to extend the trial reflects both the strong performance of the service and positive feedback from users, with customers praising the convenience, reliability and impact of the service.
One rider shared, “Due to a spinal injury, I’ve been totally dependent on friends and family to get around. Since using Baybus OnDemand, I’ve got my independence back. I have a newfound freedom and I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
Another customer commented, “Awesome service. I used it last week from Pyes Pā to the hospital and back. No parking worries, and prompt and courteous service.”
Regional Council will continue monitoring performance and gathering feedback. A review at the 18-month mark will help inform decisions about the future of the service beyond April 2026.
For more information about Baybus OnDemand, visit baybus.co.nz/ondemand
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