Whanganui public transport could be in for a funding boost.
Horizons Regional Council’s draft long-term plan (LTP) still needs an official stamp of approval but if it’s successful, an additional $550,000 will go to Whanganui urban transport in 2026/27, followed by $350,000 and $100,000 in the following two years.
The extra funding was originally mooted to begin in 2025/26 but was pushed back following a vote.
Between Horizons, the Whanganui District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, just over $2 million was invested in Whanganui public transport for 2023/24.
Whanganui District Council’s representative to the Horizons Regional Council passenger transport committee, Anthonie Tonnon said he was pleased to get the money in the draft LTP and he wasn’t too worried about waiting an extra year.
He said it meant the spend on public transport in Whanganui would rise to $48 per person from $22 – 70 per cent of Palmerston North’s spend.
