'On demand' buses get trial during Christmas break

Mangawhai will trial an "on demand" bus service over the Christmas holiday period.

The Kaipara District Council and the Northland Regional Council have teamed up with the Mangawhai Business Development Association to fund it.

The initiative was seen as a solution to the seasonal congestion and parking problems on Wintle St as the carpark at Mangawhai Heads filled up.

The district council will contribute its share out of its roading budget. Each organisation will contribute a one-third share of the $10,000 needed to enable Leabourn Passenger Services to run the service from December 26 to about January 12, next year.

The service will operate from the Mangawhai Domain, where people will be able to park their cars, to the Mangawhai Heads Surf Club and return.

Proposed one-way fares are: adults $2, children (5-14) $1, and children under 5 free.