Valley Road residents annoyed by the impact Hopper buses have on their street are about to get some relief says BOP Regional Councillor Doug Owen.

'Immediately we are going to talk to Hoppers about slowing the buses down as they drive down Valley Road, and to ensure that the drivers have the right attitude when driving down that street,” says Doug.

Regional councillor Doug Owens recognises the danger of having many buses use Valley Road.

'The people of Valley Road are frustrated, and we recognise this.

'We will also see whether the Tauranga City Council can come up with some solutions that meets everyone's needs.”

Since Bay Hopper Buses re-jigged its services in July 2009, the formerly quiet Valley Road between Tweed Street and Golf Road has become part of bus routes 1, 2 and 30.

Valley Road resident Lloyd Downs counted 130 buses per day, Monday to Friday and 60 a day on weekends.

There are about 750 buses a week using a street with a narrow carriageway, says Doug.

'With cars parked on both sides, there is a maximum of 40cm on each side of the bus,” says Doug.

'It's a recipe for a disaster. It is my personal view, and I'm agreeing with the residents.”

Options for the future of the Valley Road buses were discussed at a meeting yesterday. As well as telling the buses to slow down for now, Doug says the regional council is also going to talk to the city council about a series of new bus stops and possibly a new cycle track – but not on Valley Road.

'We are looking at ways to take the pressure off Valley Road,” says Doug.

'We are looking at everything from express buses to alternate streets.”