Bay of Plenty Regional Council is inviting volunteers to try out a new real-time bus app which is currently being trialled on Bayhopper buses in Tauranga.

The app, which is still in its beta stages, will feature a real-time passenger information system providing bus users with more up-to-date and accurate information.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council transport policy manager Garry Maloney says this will be further enhanced when the Tauranga urban Bayhopper service changes in December this year.

'Having access to real-time journey information and live bus tracking on mobile phones will provide bus users with a higher level of certainty and make journey planning much easier.

'As well as more frequent services, longer operating hours, more direct routes and some electric buses, there will also be tag-on tag-off ticketing technology with online top ups.”

BOPRC announced the trial launch on their Facebook page earlier this week and made a call for volunteers.

'We had many volunteers from the community following our call for app testers and they will be trialling an internationally recognised public transport app that is used in many cities throughout the world.

'It's important we find a solution that works well for our growing region and as with all technology it's vital that it's thoroughly tested in real situations prior to rolling out to the wider public to make sure it is user-friendly, reliable and fit for purpose

'Until thoroughly tested we're not looking to advertise the app or promote downloads but we'll have more information around the app and its functions as well as all the specifics of the enhanced bus network in the coming months.

'We can still accommodate a few more testers, those that are interested can contact taurangarealtime@boprc.govt.nz.”