We're making significant improvements to Palmerston North's public transport network to create a more connected and accessible city.
We’re doing this by upgrading bus shelters and stops in the city, so our residents can get to where they want to go, regardless of age or ability.
Horizons Regional Council has introduced a fleet of 43 electric buses
Horizons is responsible for operating buses in Palmerston North, and they revamped the city's bus routes in March 2024 to coincide with the launch of our new bus shelters.
This led to increased bus frequency, offering more options for commuters and leisure travelers. Buses now run every 15 minutes during weekdays from 7am – 9am, and from 3pm-6pm, and every 30 minutes outside of those hours and on weekends.
These shelters recognise the work of two historical mapmakers in our region
Rangitāne was invited to co-design the new bus shelters with Beca.
The cultural expression on the shelter panels is primarily inspired by a significant journey of Haunui-a-Nanaia. As he travelled down the west coast of the North Island, he named every river that he crossed. In doing so he created the first map, which has been shared orally for 30 generations.
In the 1850s, another noted mapmaker entered our rohe (region), Scotsman John Tiffin Stewart, who is credited with designing the street layout of Palmerston North.
Rangitāne proposed the idea of recognising the work of these two great mapmakers.
Four existing artworks at Palmerston North Airport describe aspects of the journey of Haunui-a-Nanaia. The airport has gifted a segment of a kōwhaiwhai artwork, created by artist Kereama Taepa, for the bus shelter network.
Palmerston North now has 400 bus stops and 82 new shelters
We are responsible for ensuring the bus stops and shelters align with the new bus routes. The shelters feature cultural designs in the glass panelling, recycled wooden benches and leaners, real time information boards, and solar lighting for at night.
These upgrades were funded entirely by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
the design on the roof also creates a shadow on the ground
We spoke with adjacent property owners about the locations of bus stops and shelters
The locations of bus stops and shelters are strategically placed based on various considerations, including:
- Transport network impact
- Pedestrian safety
- Proximity to amenities and key sites
- Environmental concerns
- Future city development plans
We spoke with the adjacent property owners and offered them the opportunity to object. This process included:
- Initial feedback: We notified any property impacted by one of the new stops to gather input on bus stop locations and shelter proposals.
- Objections process: We addressed any objections raised by property owners and tenants regarding shelter locations during a series of hearings in February 2024.
- Committee review: Elected members reviewed objections and made decisions regarding proposed shelter locations.
You can download and read the hearing minutes.
Minutes - 9 October 2023, Extraordinary Economic Growth Committee Meeting
Minutes - 15 February 2024, Extraordinary Economic Growth Committee Meeting