Our eBus has been the first in New Zealand to receive an exemption to the obstruction rule, which means a 24/7 bike rack service has returned in Nelson Tasman.
Bike racks were removed from buses across New Zealand on Friday 8 November as a precautionary measure implemented following concerns that the racks may partially obstruct bus headlights.
A working group comprising Councils, public transport operators, and NZTA Waka Kotahi staff, was set up to reach an agreed pathway to return the use of bike racks to buses. In mid-January 2025 this working group released a set of agreed conditions and steps. Our eBus fleet meets the new conditions.
A diagram was issued to public transport operators with a reference line. If the centre of the headlight is below the
reference line, then the illumination is effective.
eBus mechanics drew the reference line across the headlights on our buses, which revealed that we would not be
required to change our racks or buses.
Visit the new eBus website(external link) for full details of routes, timetables and fares.
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 2025 and extra capacity is avaiable.
The first 12 month trial was a great success, so working with Golden Bay Coachlines, we have increased the number of subsidised trips to 26 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.
