Visit the new eBus website(external link) for full details of routes, timetables and fares.
Rising fuel prices appear to be driving more Tasman and Nelson residents to take the bus, so a new adjusted timetable starting Tuesday 7 April will help to manage commuter demand.
The Regional Land Transport Committee, comprising representatives of both Tasman District and Nelson City Councils, has approved the introduction of additional early morning services.
Currently, Route 1 arrives in Nelson early enough for people to get to work by 8.00 am. However, the earliest time Route 1 gets to Richmond is 7.55 am. Route 2 delivers people into Nelson in time for an 8.00 am start and to Richmond in time for an 8.30 am start, which is too late for some.
One additional trip in each direction on Route 1 (via Waimea Road) and Route 2 (via Tāhunanui) means commuters will get into Nelson to start work at 7.00 am and into Richmond in time to start work at 7.30 am.
The earlier service was intended to start in July, but anecdotal evidence shows growing passenger numbers due to the current fuel situation, so the committee requested that the new timetable be introduced as soon as possible.
Adding these additional early morning services is expected to cost $40,000 each year. The existing Public Transport budgets allow for this extra cost, so no additional budget is needed.
The eBus is going to the dogs following a successful trial of canine travelling companions.
In 2023, we began a trial of dogs on buses. Phase 1 was to allow small dogs in a suitable carry container. This trial was successful and led to Phase 2 in April 2024, allowing all dogs on board, this time with a muzzle and leash.
The Joint Regional Transport Committee recently voted to end the trial and make this a permanent fixture of the eBus service.
The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust is running a weekly service from Tapawera to both Richmond and Motueka
The minibus leaves the Community Centre at 9.30 am on Tuesdays for Richmond, returning by 3.00pm and on Thursdays it heads to Motueka, returning to Tapawera by 2.00 pm. Fares are $6 each way. Call the Motueka iSite to book a seat and then pay the driver.
Get more information and see the list of stops on the NTCTT website.
Our subsidy of bus fares over Tākaka Hill to Motueka is locked in until at least mid 2027.
The trial was a great success, so working with Golden Bay Coachlines, we can offer 26 subsidised trips a month.
In the first 12 months, 198 adults used the cheaper fares with 18 youngsters using the child subsidy.
Golden Bay Coachlines General Manager Arthur Clarence says it’s really encouraging to see the number of locals using the service – some repeatedly.
He says it’s pleasing to see the service is now in the Regional Transport Plan which gives it certainty going forward.
We pay $16 toward an adult fare and $10 toward a child’s ticket to bring them down to $16 and $6 respectively.
Services run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Passengers will need to prove they are residents by showing some form of ID like a local library card or another proof of address like a rates, power or telephone bill.
Bookings can be made at the Golden Bay Coachlines office on Commercial Street in Tākaka, or by phoning 03 525 8352.
Run by the Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust with Council support, the Motueka Coastal Bus runs on Saturdays and Sundays, and further good news is bikes can be carried for free with fare-paying passengers.
Fares are $6 each way and this makes for a great family day out on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. The family can have a biking adventure one-way and book seats and bike places on the bus back. Bookings need to be made by phoning the Motueka isite on 03 528 6543.
The service runs via Māpua to the Richmond CBD and Aquatic Centre, then return.
The bus departs the Motueka i-SITE at 9.30 am on Saturday, returning at 3.00pm and departs at 1.00pm on Sunday, returning at 6.00pm.
For information about the timetable, fares and terms of carriage visit ntctt.org.nz.
Māpua’s Willing Wheels service is staffed by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles to take people where they need to go. Read more about the service here.
Abel Tasman Coachlines operates regular services to Motueka, Kaiteriteri and Mārahau and Tākaka,
Golden Bay Coachlines runs regular services between Nelson and Tākaka, with stops in Richmond, Motueka and Riwaka.
