Central city bus interchange

To create an accessible city centre we need to prioritise frequent, reliable public transport services through the area, supported by high-quality stops close to main destinations.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

In February 2023 we asked for your feedback on plans to find a permanent solution to meet Tauranga’s public transport facility needs for now and into the future. This included feedback on:

the types of facilities required
how best to facilitate your journey in the central city area
what safety improvements you would like to see at a new facility
service improvements you would like to see that would give you a better bus experience.

The responses to this survey will better inform our approach and recommended improvements and we hope to share the results with you shortly.

A permanent solution to meet Tauranga’s public transport facility needs

A prioritised bus route through the Tauranga city centre has already been confirmed (see map below), also known as the ‘bus spine’.

City centre – public transport, driving and parking map (433kb pdf)

Following on from the shift to the temporary bus interchange on Durham Street (between Spring and Wharf Streets) which opened in June 2022, we’re now investigating a permanent solution to meet Tauranga’s public transport facility needs for now and into the future.

This process includes talking to our mana whenua partners, communities and businesses to consider:

the types of facilities required and how they will meet the future growth of public transport in the city
whether a single interchange facility or multiple, small interchanges (super stops) is preferred, and if so, where
the best facilities to support bus users’ needs.

We will do this through stakeholder workshops, surveys, and direct engagement with mana whenua and stakeholders. For more information email citycentrept@tauranga.govt.nz, phone 07 577 7000.

Temporary interchange – Durham and Wharf Streets

The central city bus interchange is part of a larger programme of work that we have been talking with the community about, including the Urban Form & Transport Initiative, the Transport System Plan, and the more recent Central City Action and Investment Plan. We are now at the exciting stage of determining the final requirements for public transport in the city centre, along with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waka Kotahi.

Read more about the City Centre Action and Investment Plan that all of this work stems from below.

City Centre Action and Investment Plan (11mb pdf)

FAQ's

Where will the new interchange be located?

We are looking at several potential locations along the prioritised bus route, which includes Dive Crescent, The Strand, Hamilton, and Durham Streets. The route was confirmed as part of the City Centre Action and Investment Plan.

When will the locations be confirmed?

Locations will be confirmed in early 2023. Changes will be phased over the next five years with initial improvements planned for December 2023.

What will the bus interchange look like?

No designs have been developed yet, however, bus user safety and security will be important considerations, as well as comfort, cleanliness, and providing efficient service information.

Will on-street parking spaces be removed to make way for a new interchange?

There could be some on-street parking removed to accommodate bus interchange facilities. Full details will be known when locations are confirmed, and specific design requirements are developed.

Will mobility parks and loading zones still be available?

Yes, wherever possible mobility parks and loading zones will be provided.

Will the new interchange help to reduce anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour can occur anywhere at any time, however, it is well recognised that increasing the attractiveness of an area encourages more people and vibrancy to an area, reducing anti-social behaviour. When this is coupled with good security (including CCTV) and good design, anti-social behaviour can be minimised.

What will happen to the temporary bus interchange?

A final decision on the temporary interchange will be made at the end of the assessment process. If the permanent interchange is located elsewhere the current location will revert to pre-existing uses.

How can I have my say?

We value your feedback. Our survey closed on Tuesday 28 February 2023 but you can still speak to a Tauranga City Council staff member by email citycentrept@tauranga.govt.nz or phone 07 577 7000.

Key information

Project type
Transport and movement

Status
Planning

Neighbourhood
City centre

Key dates

Development work starts on permanent interchange facilities
October 2022
Conversation with key stakeholders regarding interchange facilities starts
February 2023
Technical work progresses
November 2022 – February 2023
Engagement with our affected communities regarding interchange facilities
February - March 2023
Review feedback and develop Business Case
April - June 2023