Draft public transport plan puts reliability, access and value for money in focus

A proposed 10-year direction for public transport in the Bay of Plenty, with an immediate focus on making better use of existing services and current investment, is now open for public feedback. 

The draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 sets out how public transport will be planned, funded and delivered across the region, covering short-term improvements in the first three years alongside longer-term priorities for growth and change. 

Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor and Regional Transport Committee Chair Ken Shirley says the draft plan reflects both increasing expectations and the different realities faced across the region.  

“People want public transport to be reliable, practical, easy to understand and connected to the places they need to go, but there is no single solution for the whole region.”  

“We need to get the best from the services and investments we already have, target improvements where they can make the greatest difference, and prepare carefully for longer-term growth.” 

In the first three years, the draft plan focuses on reviewing and improving public transport networks, services and timetables, to prepare for new bus operator contracts. It prioritises making services more reliable, frequent and accessible, implementing improved technology to create better customer experience. 

Longer-term planning requires significant public transport infrastructure and closer integration with urban growth and land-use planning. Around 3.4 million passenger boardings were recorded across the Bay of Plenty public transport network in the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting the role public transport is playing in how people move around the region. 

“The Bay of Plenty is changing quickly, and demand for public transport will only continue to grow,” says Councillor Shirley. 

“We need to plan for that growth now, making sure the network can respond to changing communities, travel patterns and expectations over time.” 

While wider reform conversations about the future of local government structures are happening across the country, Councillor Shirley says it remains important to have both a short and long-term vision for local public transport services. 

“Whatever changes come, people will still need reliable, accessible public transport, and we need to be clear about the role it plays in supporting our communities.” 

Regional Council staff will be out in communities across Tauranga, Rotorua and the Eastern Bay during the consultation period, giving people the opportunity to ask questions, view consultation material and complete a submission.  

The draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 is open for consultation from Monday 6 July until 4pm Thursday 6 August 2026. To view the consultation document, find event details or make a submission, visit participate.boprc.govt.nz/rptp-2026 

Printed consultation documents and submission forms are available from Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices in Tauranga, Whakatāne and Rotorua.  

Hearings are planned for late August, with the final plan expected to be considered for adoption in December 2026. 

Around 3.4 million passenger boardings were recorded across the Bay of Plenty public transport network in the 2024/25 financial year

For further information, please contact media@boprc.govt.nz