New bus route a game changer for the Matamata community

A new weekday public bus service connecting Matamata with Morrinsville and Hamilton will provide travel independence and ensure access to education, employment and social opportunities.

Waikato Regional Council has worked with Matamata-Piako District Council to tailor the service – starting from Monday, 12 July – to meet the needs of the community.

The bus will run three times a day, Monday to Friday, with services leaving Matamata for Hamilton at 7am, 11.10am and 3.10pm, and returning from Hamilton at 9am, 1pm and 5.40pm. Buses will have free Wi-Fi and USB charging points on board. 

Regional Connections Committee Chair and Waikato regional councillor Angela Strange said: “This service will be a game changer, enabling people to get around independently to the shops, medical appointments, the library, or to visit friends without having to rely on others for a ride.

“We’re really excited to be providing a convenient, accessible and comfortable ride, as well as space for a couple of bikes on the front rack. And for those who use it regularly, there’ll be cost savings with a weekly fare cap,” Cr Strange said.

Matamata-Piako Mayor Ash Tanner was pleased to see the current service extending to Matamata and Waharoa and said it will be of great benefit to those without licenses or a mode of transport.

“So many people are isolated, just due to not being able to travel – so I am really pleased our Council could work with Waikato Regional Council to bring this affordable service across the entire district.”

Mayor Ash said it would be of particular advantage for students and youth to access tertiary study and gain employment and with it a sense of independence. 

For regular bus users, fares will be capped when using Bee Card of $27 for adults and $22.50 for youth under 18 each week for travel between Matamata and Morrinsville, and between Matamata and Hamilton it will be capped at $45 for adults and $37.50 for youth 18 and under. Once you reach this cap, all further travel will be free.

Fares from Matamata to Hamilton will be $5 on Bee Card and $7 cash, and from Matamata to Morrinsville will be $3 on Bee Card and $5 cash. SuperGold Card users who have their concession loaded on their Bee Card receive free bus travel between 9am and 3pm weekdays. Children under 5 will travel free at all times.

Within Matamata, the bus will travel through Hetana Street, Broadway, Smith Street, Station Road, Firth Street, Meura Street, Tainui Street, Tamahina Street, Burwood Street, Rawhiti Street and then through Waharoa and Morrinsville en route to Hamilton.

The bus will use State Highway 26 to Hamilton and travel via Hillcrest and Hamilton East on the way into the central city, terminating at the Hamilton Transport Centre.  

More information is available by visiting busit.co.nz or calling the BUSIT Infoline on 0800 205 305.