Flex is the new trial on-demand public transport system being launched by Waikato Regional Council from early 2022.
The ride share service will operate to and from Hamilton Airport on weekdays, starting 8 February.
“For people wanting to get to and from the CBD, we’re really excited to be able to provide an affordable option for people wanting a corner-to-corner service rather than only stopping at bus stops,” said Regional Connections Committee Chair and Waikato regional councillor Angela Strange.
“The service will take people with a mobility impairment driveway-to-driveway – all you have to do is let us know when registering on the Flex app.
“This is a very different style of public transport and it’s been a long time in the making. We had hoped to roll it out sooner, but as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown we delayed the launch,” Cr Strange said.
Mark Morgan, Chief Executive - Hamilton Airport says, “We’re very supportive of making the airport more accessible to a wider range of our travelling public, so it’s great to see another transport option available to get to and from the airport.”
The New Zealand-built buses are smaller and have comfortable seats that are fitted with seatbelts and can carry 13 passengers, or 10 people and a wheelchair user.
Bookings can be made up to a week in advance of travel, or just 15 minutes before you’re ready to go. The buses are GPS tracked in real time, so you can track your ride in the Flex app.
Getting from Hamilton to the airport will cost only $3 each way on Flex, which operates Monday to Friday from 9.15am-4pm between the Hamilton Transport Centre and Hamilton Airport.
Cr Strange said Bee Card machines would be available on the buses later in 2022. “Once this happens, we’ll be able to provide Bee Card concessionary travel on Flex, including SuperGold, university and Wintec fares and free accessibility concession travel.
“It means passengers will have the choice of paying either via the app or with their Bee Card on board – they just set their preference in the app.”
The app is free and available on the App Store and Google Play.
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