Because scheduled bus trips are too slow for people with jobs in town, most commuters drive in, and double-line park from 8am to 9am. So after 9am there is no free parking from Mission St around the CBD for a kilometre to Fourth Ave.
So shoppers go to the Malls for access to shops and parking.
Sometimes Devonport Rd and The Strand look deserted in the mornings. I think a special Express Bus would improve things.
I suggest a trial 'Express” bus from Papamoa to the City, stopping only at Palm Beach Plaza and Bayfair, for the commuters' hours of 8am to 9am for a 30 minute trip to replace the regular 55 minute bus trip.
An Express bus would let the cars stay home, for family shopping and children transport, it would free up city streets and be profitable at $100 for a full bus fares per trips, for Go Bus or a private bus company, if the change is publicised properly. So worth a trial?
Now is good.

Ted Petrie, Tauranga.