Public Transport

On 31st May 2005, a Community Bus Service began in Mangakino. After more than 15 years, residents of Mangakino, Whakamaru and Atiamuri can finally access a regular public transport service. The bus travels from Mangakino to Tokoroa three days a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. A special trip to from Atiamuri to Tokoroa will occur on Fridays with bookings. This service was made possible by collaboration between Environment Waikato, Taupo District Council, Lakes District Health Board, Tokoroa Local Mangaement Group (LMG), Mangakino SCAF and Mangakino Community Agency (MCA).

Fares are kept as cheap as possible and can be prepaid by topping-up a Busit Card. Get your Busit cards from the MCA. Top-ups are done on the bus, the minimum top-up is $10, but the fares are a lot cheaper this way. Replacement Busit Cards are $5.

Busit Card Fares will be:

• Adult - $3.50 return
• School Student - $2.00 return
• Senior Citizen – $2.00 return
• Preschool Children - Free

Without Prepaid Cards/Casual:

• Adult - $5.00 return
• School Student - $3.50 return
• Senior Citizen – $3.50 return
• Preschool Children - Free

The Bus departs from the Mangakino Civic Centre at 9.30am and returns at 2pm . Those people with walking or mobility difficulties can ring the MCA the day before to book a bus pickup from their home. A bus-stop map is available at the MCA, main pick-ups are along Rangatira Drive. Whakamaru residents will be collected at the Whakamaru Store and at the bus stop in front of the Hydro village.

First stop in Tokoroa will be at the Tokoroa Hospital. The bus then drops people off outside the Information Centre in town. If you need to go elsewhere, talk to the bus driver, he will accomodate needs as best he can. The Bus leaves the Information Centre at 2pm.

Priority seats are given to those travelling to Tokoroa with medical, dental or social service appointments. To ensure you get a seat to meet an appointment, ring the MCA by at least 4pm the day before travel to book in.