From Saturday, 9 November, bicycle racks will be temporarily unavailable on all Taranaki Regional Council-operated bus services.
Bike racks are temporarily unavailable.
This is the result of a nationwide suspension issued by Bus and Coach Association NZ Inc. (BCA) following a safety alert from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi.
The NZTA alert highlights a compliance issue with some bus models, where bike racks may partially obstruct headlights, creating a safety risk – even during daytime operations. Bus operators across New Zealand have unanimously agreed to suspend bike rack use until safety concerns can be thoroughly addressed.
Council chair Charlotte Littlewood says she is frustrated by the restriction, noting its impact on the region’s goal of promoting low-emission, integrated travel options.
“We’re very disappointed being forced to implement this bike rack ban, as biking, walking and bus use is central to our efforts to reduce emissions and improve public health.
“We hope for a swift resolution to this compliance issue so bike racks can be restored and despite this being out of our control, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Council Transport Engagement Manager Cheryl Gazley says staff are working closely with NZTA and bus operators to assess the situation and determine the safest approach moving forward.
“We thank our customers for their understanding and patience as we navigate this challenging situation and hope this is resolved quickly. Our staff and drivers will be on hand to assist affected passengers,” she added.
For more information about public transport in Taranaki, visit trc.govt.nz/buses-transport or follow Taranaki Regional Public Transport on Facebook.