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Debunking the Myths: What Hawke's Bay's New Public-Transport Network Really Means

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Debunking the Myths: What Hawke’s Bay’s New Public‑Transport Network Really Means

Neil Kirton’s recent op‑ed in Hawke’s Bay Today tackles a barrage of rumours and half‑truths that have circulated online since the announcement of the region’s new public‑transport network. The piece, which has already sparked a lively debate on social media, breaks down the facts behind the headlines and explains how the new system will work, who it will serve, and why the misconceptions are harmful to the project’s future.

The Backdrop: A Transport Gap in a Growing Region

Hawke’s Bay has been expanding at a steady rate—especially the urban centre of Napier and the surrounding towns of Hastings, Wairoa, and Taupō. Yet, for years, the region’s bus service has been characterised by irregular schedules, limited coverage, and a “last‑mile” problem that forces commuters to rely on cars or taxis. The New Zealand Government’s 2023 transport review highlighted that a significant proportion of Hawke’s Bay residents—particularly seniors and low‑income households—would benefit from a reliable, affordable public‑transport network. In response, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC), together with the Hawke’s Bay Transport Authority (HBTA) and the Ministry of Transport, began planning a comprehensive overhaul.

What the New Network Will Actually Look Like

1. 12 dedicated routes, 5‑minute headways on peak
The network will consist of 12 fixed‑route lines that connect the major population centres to Napier’s central business district, the Hawke’s Bay Hospital, and the new regional rail hub that is under construction at the edge of Hastings. On peak days (Mon‑Fri 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm), buses will run every five minutes on the busiest corridors. Off‑peak, the frequency will drop to 15‑minute intervals, which is still a marked improvement over the current 30‑minute plus service.

2. Integration with rail and other services
The network will dovetail with the regional rail line that serves Napier and Hastings. Passengers will be able to switch from bus to train without paying a separate fare—thanks to a single‑ticketing platform being rolled out by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The HBRC’s website (https://www.hbta.org.nz) already lists a timetable that shows the synchronised bus‑train connections.

3. Dedicated bus lanes and modern infrastructure
To keep buses on schedule, the HBTA will create a series of bus‑only lanes along Napier’s main streets and a dedicated busway that runs between Hastings and Wairoa. The busway will feature traffic‑signal priority at key junctions, a feature that has been championed by NZTA’s Transport New Zealand website.

4. Fares that are affordable, not free
One of the most persistent rumours is that the new network will be free of charge. Kirton clarifies that fares will be set at a competitive rate of $3.50 for a single journey and $15.00 for a weekly pass. The fares will be capped at a 10% increase over the current bus rates to keep them within reach of low‑income riders.

Where the Misconceptions Came From

Kirton identifies several key myths that have been circulating:

• “The network will kill the local taxi industry.”
  The reality is that the network will provide a cheaper alternative for many short‑haul journeys, but it will also increase the demand for ride‑share services at times when buses are not running (e.g., late night, weekends). The HBRC has partnered with local taxi firms to offer discounted ‘first‑mile’ rides that feed into the bus network.

• “It’s a government handout that will cost taxpayers a fortune.”
  The project is funded through a combination of $12 million from the Ministry of Transport, $8 million from the HBRC, and $4 million in private‑sector sponsorships. The total budget of $24 million is projected to pay for itself in 12 years through increased tax revenue from higher property values and reduced road maintenance costs.

• “The new routes will simply re‑brand old buses.”
  Kirton explains that a significant portion of the investment will go into new, low‑floor electric buses—25 vehicles that will reduce emissions by 30% compared to the current fleet. These buses will also feature real‑time tracking and Wi‑Fi, which will enhance the rider experience.

• “The network is only for city dwellers.”
  The design explicitly incorporates rural feeder routes that connect small towns like Gisborne and Havelock North to the main network. A mobile app (link available on the HBTA’s website) allows riders to plan multi‑modal journeys that combine walking, cycling, and bus travel.

The Road Ahead

Kirton concludes that the key to success lies in transparent communication and community engagement. The HBRC has scheduled a series of public forums—one in each of the nine council wards—where residents can ask questions, provide feedback, and review the network map. In addition, the network will be piloted on a three‑month trial basis starting September 2024, after which the HBRC will assess ridership data and make necessary adjustments.

The new public‑transport network is not a “free ride” for taxpayers, nor is it a radical overhaul that will uproot the region’s existing economy. Rather, it is a carefully planned, data‑driven initiative that aims to make Hawke’s Bay more accessible, sustainable, and economically vibrant. By setting the record straight on the misconceptions, Kirton’s article reminds residents that the real benefits—less traffic, lower emissions, improved connectivity—are within reach, provided the community stays engaged and supportive of the plan.