Auckland Transport and Rodney Local Board are introducing a third bus service funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate.
On Monday 6 May, the 126 bus service will begin operating between Westgate and Albany, via Riverhead and Coatesville.
The service will run hourly and will use two buses travelling in either direction, seven days per week from 6am until 7pm with an additional 8pm service on weekdays.
There are 25 stops on the Westgate to Albany run, and 24 stops in the other direction along the 27km 41-minute route.
"Riverhead residents have been asking for a bus service for years," says Rodney Local Board Deputy Chair Phelan Pirrie.
"The new 126 route fills a missing public transport link between the south and east of Rodney, and the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate means we can deliver it years earlier than planned.
"Route 126 links our popular rural towns with major business districts, regional transport hubs and mixed-use retail facilities, and gives Riverhead and Coatesville residents a cost-effective, safe and easy way to get to work, the shops, movies, sports facilities and Massey University without having to drive."
Mr Pirrie says the new 126 route arrives only months after the 128 (Helensville to Hibiscus Coast Station) and 998 (Wellsford to Warkworth) services were introduced at the end of February.
"Delivering three new transport services to Rodney ratepayers within three months is unprecedented," he says.
"Hang tight for the next new initiatives - Park & Ride options at Kumeu and Warkworth and local footpaths."
