Hamilton Transport Centre

Update:nnNew platforms, new toilets, and a drinking water fountain, but it doesn’t mean they want to improve your experience with Busit. Buses still late, fares still increase.nnWas going to catch the Meteor service to the city for the connected Intercity Service to Auckland the other day. Bus was late for almost 20 minutes so I missed my Intercity bus. I had to spend another 50 dollars at the counter for a new ticket to catch the next Intercity Bus. Always unreliable, they are money oriented company that only improves their techniques to take your money out of your wallet. “Oh you must pay for your ride, oh we are not responsible for late services”. No wonder more people are driving these days.nnOriginal review:nnThe fresh new look of the Transport Centre. Platforms upgraded, newly designed car park, water fountain added.nnGoodbye Route 8, and welcome Meteor.nnI used to catch the Route 8 to get to and get back from the city, it was only one service per hour which was a great inconvenience to me.nnNow the Meteor has replaced Route 8 and Route 2 with a high-frequency service running every 15 mins during weekdays. It will go to the Base on Oct so I can catch both The Meteor and the Orbiter to get there for the Te Huia service, which will be great.

I have been using the bus system in Hamilton since the 1970's.nIt has come a long way since stopping outside the Regent movie theatre and Woolworths.nSince then Hamilton has grown a lot.nThe bus system has grown in proportion.nThe current one is great. You can get anywhere with ease with a bit of planning. The Transit application off Playstore gives arrivals and departures in real time. This is very reliable.nThe Transport Centre itself is a very fine building. With a spacious high ceiling and an area to sit down and wait for your bus, out of the elements, is a godsend in winter. This is open from 7.30 am till after work.nThe council provides discount fares for the disabled and elderly patrons.nThe toilet facilities outside could be rethought. Not a good odour. Especially in summer. The toilets inside could be cleaned more often.nThe café is outrageously expensive.nTaxis are on their rank almost all day if you want to get around quickly and have some extra money.nAll round, the Transport Centre caters for all and sundry well enough.

The new website for the Hamilton centre bus services are extremely difficult to navigate. You can't see the time-table for the entire week; there is no option making it hard to plan your outings ahead of time. As much as it may have seemed useful to the company, it's not for some users who aren't tech savy.nnI do like the extra seating at the transport centre though, and it looks fresh and modern.

I had a pleasant experience on my move from Auckland to Hamilton City. As my final destination, I got off with my luggage and used their facilities for a quick bite and a toilet break before heading off to my new place. Buses come and go with their passengers. The place can accommodate several people at the same time with a huge sitting area and charging stations. Buses outside can be seen clearly with its transparent walls. I purchased and topped up my Bee card in one of the Kiosks inside the building. Travel flyers, maps and guides are available for free.

Opened only between 7.30 am and 5 pm 9 am to 4 pm weekends. No waiting room open outside these hours for Intercity travellers! People arriving early/departing late, have to wait on the street, 'nice' suprise for tourists