Mayor Craig Rowley has met with management from Intercity Bus Lines to discuss the issue of the company’s route bypassing Waimate township.
Rather than the bus stop on Victoria Terrace, the bus now stops at Nosh Cafe, located at the junction of State Highways 1 and 82. Safety issues have been raised related to the new stop’s 100km/h speed limit, limited parking spaces and lack of shelter.
Earlier this month, the Mayor wrote to the management of Intercity Bus Lines, expressing his concerns regarding the new route between Timaru and Oamaru.
The Mayor had received feedback from many regular users who rely on the route to access services that are only available in larger centres. Community Link Waimate has also expressed concerns.
“I believe to continue to bypass the township of Waimate is of a huge disservice to the users and loyal passengers of Intercity, and I understand the number of passengers is still steady, and the service well patronised by Waimate residents,” Mayor Craig said in the letter.
“It is important for the ongoing health and function of our rural communities to retain our transport services, and I therefore strongly urge you to reconsider this route change,” he continued.
In a response, Intercity Bus Lines Chief Operating Officer Sam Peate said the changes were as a result of longer travel times further north which had threatened its ability to comply with driver fatigue and work time regulations.
He acknowledged the impact on Waimate, and indicated Intercity would explore possible solutions.
