Bus stop changes underway in Whanganui

Published on 24 March 2026

Connect Horizons Regional Transport media release

Whanganui residents will start to see changes to bus stops across the city in advance of their new bus network starting on 17 April.

Horizons Regional Council manager transport services Mark Read says the new network will service some new areas, such as Pūtiki, requiring new stops to be installed.

“Whanganui District Council manages infrastructure such as stops and shelters, while we manage the bus network itself. During the network redesign process, we’ve worked with Whanganui District Council to make sure stops are where they need to be.”

Some stops are being removed, even on streets where buses currently run and will continue to run after 17 April, to ensure services are as efficient as possible, says Mr Read.

“By putting a little more space between stops, drivers will not need to stop so often. This is being done as required, to ensure there is still equitable access to services for people across Whanganui.

“This is all part of moving the Whanganui bus network to focus more on getting as many people on board as possible. Boosting patronage will mean fuller buses and reduced congestion for those who need to drive.”

The new network will benefit from the $1.1 million of central government co-investment made through the Transport Choices programme in 2023 and 2024, which increased the number of bus shelters, improved bicycle parking at some shelters, and saw real-time information displays installed in key locations, says Mr Read.

“This work, combined with the bus network improvements, will make catching public transport in Whanganui an even more attractive option – something especially important at the moment with the increasing price of fuel.”

The introduction of the new network on 17 April 2026 coincides with the inaugural World Public Transport Day – an initiative to celebrate the role public transport plays in our lives and our cities.

People with questions about the new network can see someone in person at the Whanganui River Markets this weekend (Saturday 28 March), as well as on 11 and 18 April, or see Horizons staff at 181 Guyton St. People can also call freephone 0508 800 800 or email transport@horizons.govt.nz

More information about the Whanganui urban bus network, including a map showing the routes being introduced in April and bus stop locations, is available here.

For more information about public transport in the Horizons Region, see horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport or follow Connect - Horizons Regional Transport on Instagram and Facebook.