April 10, 2026

#regional: Mayor warns hospital shuttle loss will hit vulnerable communities hardest

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 10, 2026

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the decision to end the combined Taumarunui-Hamilton Route 25 hospital shuttle/public transport service is a “kick in the guts” for Taumarunui and other communities who rely on the service.

Operated by BUSIT, the Route 25 service has been a joint initiative between Te Whatu Ora – Waikato and Waikato Regional Council, allowing spare bus seats not required by hospital patients to be used by other travellers.

BUSIT has announced the service will end on 26 June with and a new (smaller) health shuttle planned for hospital passengers while public transport passengers will need to use InterCity or make other arrangements.

Mayor Kirton said that while he supports any improvements to the health shuttle, removing the public transport function will have serious consequences for the affected communities if it ends on 26 June as announced.

“This service has become much more than a health shuttle. It is a vital public transport link for Taumarunui and the communities of Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga and Kihikihi,” said Mayor Kirton.

“The Route 25 health and commuter shuttle is a proven, successful service. Removing the public transport option simply does not make sense and could not have come at a worse time amid an international fuel crisis and ongoing cost of living pressures.

People are already doing it tough. For many, driving to Hamilton is simply not affordable. This service provides a convenient, reliable and cost-effective alternative that people rely on.

My concerns are also shared by the Waikato Regional Transport Committee with the Chair writing to the Waikato Regional Council highlighting the importance of the service and seeking answers about its planned cancelling,” he said.

A key strength of the Route 25 service is its ability to provide a same day return trip which the InterCity service doesn’t offer.

The bus leaves Taumarunui before 8.00am, arrives in Hamilton around 10.30am, and departs again at 3.00pm, giving passengers around four hours in Hamilton before returning home by 6.00pm.

“That same-day flexibility is critical,” said Mayor Kirton.

“Whether it’s attending appointments, shopping, visiting whānau, or accessing services not available locally, the ability to travel to Hamilton and return the same day is hugely important.”

By comparison, the alternative InterCity service leaves Taumarunui at 2.40pm, while the return service departs Hamilton around 11.30am making a same-day return impossible and requiring an overnight stay – adding costs many users cannot afford.

Mayor Kirton said removing Route 25 would disproportionately impact those least able to absorb increased costs.

“At $56 a one-way adult fare on InterCity is more than double the $24 cost with a Bee Card on Route 25. Gold Card holders are free on Route 25 while they would pay $53 on InterCity. This highlights just how important this service is for affordability.

With the surge in fuel prices demand for the service is increasing with Taumarunui i-site staff reporting Bee Card enquiries have doubled in the past month as people look for affordable travel options.

Rural New Zealand does not have the same access to public transport or the same ability to benefit from Gold Card schemes.

Services like Route 25 help bridge that gap and in combining passenger types helps ensure fuller buses, greater value for money, and better sustainability. “This is exactly the kind of smart, efficient solution rural communities need.”

Mayor Kirton added that he was also concerned about the proposed size of the replacement health-only shuttle.

“When I spoke to passengers this morning, there were already 18 hospital travellers booked, plus additional walk-ups and public transport users.”

“If the replacement service is a 12-seater, as suggested, it won’t even meet current hospital demand.

While some improvements or adjustments to the service may be needed, scrapping a well-used, growing inter-regional public transport link is the wrong decision.

It is simply madness to remove a successful service at a time when demand is increasing, and people need affordable transport more than ever,” he said.