New Bus Stops Approved For Whakatāne Public Transport Network

Five new bus stops have been approved for Whakatāne to support the growing public transport network.

The new stops follow the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s 2025 review of the Eastern Bay of Plenty transport network.

Public consultation identified additional stops to improve coverage and access to key parts of the community.

The approved locations include one stop on King Street and one on McAlister Street.

Whakatāne District Council Manager Transportation, Ann-Elise Reynolds, said improving access to public transport is an important part of encouraging more people to use the service and of keeping public transport a “viable option” for the community.

“Providing infrastructure that supports reliable and accessible public transport is an important part of creating a connected transport network,” she said.

“These additional stops will make it easier for more people to access the bus service and the opportunities it provides.”

The King Street stop formalises a location commonly used by buses near Pak ’n Save while the four stops along McAlister Street fill a gap in the existing network.

The council said residents living near the proposed McAlister stops were sent a letter outlining the proposal, with some raising concerns about the potential loss of on-street parking, traffic congestion, and student safety near the school.

It said alternative locations were assessed; however, the approved sites were preferred based on expected passenger demand.

“We appreciate some residents won’t agree with this decision, particularly where it affects on-street parking,” Reynolds said.

“However, when assessing bus stop locations, consideration also needs to be given to how people will access schools, community facilities and public transport services across the wider area.”

The committee also approved several related parking changes, including relocating an existing bus stop on Stewart Street, installing yellow hatched markings on Ferry Road to prevent vehicles blocking the shared path entrance, adding no-stopping lines on Landing Road to improve visibility at the Pouwhare Street intersection and extending no-stopping lines on Goulstone Road to help buses turn safely from Soutars Avenue.

Council said the Goulstone Road change removed two on-street parking spaces in an area where parking demand “is high.”

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for delivering public transport services and Whakatāne District Council is responsible for supporting infrastructure such as bus stops, signage and road markings.

The revised network is set to be up and running from December 7.