Future bus services for the Waikato region

Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and partners have reviewed the region’s bus services as several of our contracts are due for renewal. We propose a range of improvements including fast and frequent services in the Hamilton urban network and options to support both short-term (funded), and longer-term, aspirational services in metro and regional areas, including north Waikato, eastern Waikato, Raglan, Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel.

Consultation ran from 25 June 2025 to 13 July 2025.

Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback in the recent public transport consultation. Over 1200 people completed the survey. We are very encouraged to see such a high level of interest in your regional public transport services.

Your feedback matters

• Your input helped shape a more connected, inclusive and accessible bus network. We have made changes and answered questions based on your feedback. While not all suggestions can be implemented, we have included some in our plans already and noted others for future planning. Please note we did not seek specific feedback from other areas in the region because their bus contracts are already in place.

Here's what you can expect from 2027/2028 onwards:

• Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts
• Matamata-Piako District
• Hamilton City
• North Waikato region
• Raglan and west Waikato

Please note

• Short term: Refers to new bus contracts (2027) for regional areas (e.g. Raglan, North Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, etc.) and 2028 for Hamilton. These changes will be implemented when the new contracts begin.
• Medium term: Refers to changes that will be implemented once additional funding becomes available. There is no fixed year — it could be as early as 2030 for some areas and later for others. Sequencing and readiness will affect the eventual time.
• Long term: Refers to changes planned for the later years of the contract period. Again, timing depends on funding and performance reviews. These plans are aspirational and subject to future investment.

If you have any questions relating to this consultation and/or feedback, please contact us via email or freephone 0800 800 401.

View summary of final networks for tender