A revised bus network in Hawke’s Bay is drawing criticism from some Hastings residents who object to the installation of new bus stops directly outside their homes. The Hastings District Council has been notifying residents about the planned changes, which include 180 new bus stops throughout the city.
New Bus Routes Trigger Resident Concerns
Blair Kyle, a Flaxmere resident, and his neighbor received notification letters on November 17 from the Hastings District Council stating a new bus stop would be established outside their properties. Residents were asked to provide feedback by December 3.
The council sent letters to 588 Hastings residents regarding the new bus stops. According to the council, approximately three-quarters of the responses received were positive or neutral, while a quarter were negative. About 10 bus stop locations have been adjusted based on resident feedback.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Transport Committee Chair Neil Kirton stated the launch of the Better Bus Routes network is intended to improve public transport accessibility with clearer and easier-to-understand routes. The changes come after a review that led to the cancellation of the MyWay bus trial.
Concerns Over Safety and Parking
Kyle expressed frustration with the proposed Dundee Dr. bus stop, noting existing stops are located nearby. He stated the addition of stops is “bizarre and unnecessary.” He also voiced concerns about the safety of children playing on the footpath with increased bus traffic and the loss of parking space for his work vehicles, including a small truck and digger.
“It’s a busy street already with lots of children riding scooters on the footpath,” Kyle said. “That’s going to be dangerous for them with so many buses stopping and starting.”
He added that he was told by the council that parking outside his property was a “privilege, not a right.” Kyle believes the new bus stops are unnecessary, as existing routes see limited passenger use, calling it a “waste of time and ratepayers’ money.”
Council Response and Next Steps
A Hastings District Council spokesperson explained that the new bus route will travel in both directions along Dundee Dr., necessitating bus stops on both sides of the road. The council also stated that the need for street parking was not considered during the review, asserting that the road is a public space.
The council spokesperson clarified that the bus stop locations are not yet finalized, but acknowledged that options are often limited. Recommendations for the council’s meeting on December 11 include approving the installation of bus stops where no objections were raised and continuing discussions with residents and businesses where objections were received.
The new bus routes are scheduled to begin operating on the last weekend in January, coinciding with the start of the new school term and work year. The Hastings District Council is responsible for installing bus stop signage and pavement markings, while the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council oversees public transport.
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