This week I accompanied a family member, who is confined to an electric wheelchair, on the Bay Hopper buses.
Our relative is a knowledgeable member of a national advisory board for disability access issues, which includes public transport.
After a day using the buses, Bay Hopper came up trumps in all aspects of a disabled passengers comfort and approval.
The new knell-down vehicle was efficiently lowered to the correct height adjacent to the footpath; the fold out ramp came at exactly the right level for comfortable access for this weighty wheelchair. Regrettably, this is frequently not the case when using the Wellington buses, which have a comparable set up.
Without exception, all the drivers were exceptionally cheerful and accommodating, very knowledgeable in regards to use of the equipment, in addition, they went out of their way to support visitors negotiate their way around the Mount.
Needless to say, our very clued-up cousin was impressed. Oh yes, the loo in
the disability facility, under the surf club, also received high praise. I often wonder
if we are the only family that takes photos of disabled equipment in toilets!
Thank you, Bay Hoppers, for being exceptionally user friendly, because of this positive experience, you now have happy passengers, who are enthusiastic to return to Tauranga to ride your buses.

T Carroll, Athenree