You pay one way, we'll pay the other on Night Rider, says Environment Waikato

Return fares cut by 50 per cent and changes to routes on Hamilton’s popular Night Rider bus services on Friday and Saturday nights are to kick in this weekend.

The move is designed to help boost the appeal of leaving cars at home on the traditionally busy social nights, for young people and keen restaurant goers.

Previously, a one-way fare has been $2.60 cash or $1.80 using a BUSIT card. Now people will be able to present their ticket to get the return journey free.

Besides the fare changes, route changes – based on passenger and driver research – are expected to see more people take advantage of the night time services, said Environment Waikato’s acting land transport operations manager Sue Callis.

From this weekend, the four Night Rider routes (from the city to the suburbs) will be:
· Northern (Five Crossroads, Chartwell, Flagstaff, Rototuna, Fairfield)
· University/Hillcrest (Hamilton East, Hillcrest, University)
· Western (Frankton, Dinsdale, Nawton, Forest Lake, Maeroa, Whitiora)
· Pukete/Te Rapa (Beerescourt, St Andrews, Pukete, Te Rapa)

(The Mahoe/Fitzroy Night Rider route has been withdrawn as part of the changes.)

The new Night Rider services start at midnight on Friday, with the last buses for the night leaving at 3.30am Saturday. Night Rider services start again at 7pm Saturday and finish 3.30am Sunday.

Buses leave outside Iguana on Victoria St and pick up and set down at any stop along their route. The new timetable and route details are available at www.busit.co.nz , or by phoning 0800 800 401.

“Night Rider is already playing a key part in helping move people around the city during the weekend,” said Mrs Callis. “We hope the new changes will help us build further on that success.”

The Night Rider buses have a security guard presence to help ensure a safe ride for passengers.