Coromandel Town-Thames Connector bus trial extended until June

The free trial of the Connector service between Coromandel Town and Thames has been extended for a further three months until Tuesday 18 June 2024. 

Almost 300 trips have been made on the service since it began on 18 December. This Connector service is funded by a Government storm recovery grant, in order to reconnect our communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and whānau. 

There is currently no further funding secured for our Council to continue the trial past 18 June. Waikato Regional Council (WRC) is responsible for the long-term planning, management and provision of public transport in our region. We will be sharing the data and feedback from the trial with WRC and the Government in order to discuss options for funding local transport options long-term.  

Waikato Regional Council are currently considering the region's transport options for inclusion in their 2024-2034 Long Term Plan and in the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2024–2054 (RLTP). This includes consideration of potential bus transport options for the Coromandel Peninsula and public transport funding models. It also includes funding for long-term road improvements in the Coromandel to make the network more resilient to extreme weather events.

The draft Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2024–2054 (RLTP) is open for consultation until Monday, 4 March. People can read the plan and make submissions on the Waikato Regional Council website.

About the service  

The Coromandel Town-Thames Connector service runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (see the full schedule below). Tickets are free, but booking is essential. The trial will run until Tuesday 18 June 2024.  

The vans hold up to 11 passengers, so please make sure to book your place ahead of time. To book, please text the correct provider shown on the schedule below. Please include your name, the service time and the town you are being picked up from. 

Stops 
• Thames bus stop: 200 Mary Street, outside the Civic Centre
• Te Puru: Aputa Avenue
• Waiomu Reserve
• Tapu Reserve
• Te Mata Point Reserve
• Manaia: Parking bays at Te Wharekura o Manaia (off Goldfields Road)
• Coromandel Town: Woollams Avenue carpark