Community feedback is being sought on a number of Tauranga bus routes to make them simpler and more convenient.

Public consultation for the Bay of Plenty District Council run bus service is now open for submissions until Sunday, July 18.

Regional council's transport and urban planning manager James Llewellyn says, the bus service changes will use current resources more efficiently and provide more convenient and simpler travel choices.

'Through this project we'll be reducing the need to transfer buses and some services will be adjusted to meet demand,” he says. 'For example, we've heard from the community that the City Link and Hospital Link bus routes can be confusing, so we'll be working to improve these too.

This project will adapt existing routes but does not impact bus shelter improvements or introduce bus routes on roads that do not currently have services, he says.

'We will be addressing these through other projects and look forward to working on them with our partner agencies.

'Once we have heard from the community, we'll be looking at all the feedback in detail, plus collecting and analysing further data.

'We're planning to share our findings later this year then make changes as soon as possible.” says James.

More information is available in the consultation booklet, which includes proposed bus changes, maps and timetables.

Submissions can be made over the next three weeks via:

• Online at www.participate.boprc.govt.nz
• Freepost 122076, Attention: Transport Team, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, PO Box 364, Whakatāne 3158

Regional council staff will also be proving more information at busy bus stops or people can visit the customer service centre at 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga.