Earlier bus services brought forward to help morning commuters

Earlier bus services brought forward to help morning commuters 

Earlier bus services will begin on 7 April 2026 after the Nelson and Tasman Councils’ Joint Regional Transport Committee (RTC) approved additional morning services on Route 1 and Route 2 between Nelson and Richmond. 

A passenger survey carried out in late 2025 showed strong demand for earlier services, particularly from commuters whose workdays begin before the current timetable allows them to travel by bus. 

“Our Councils have moved quickly to get these additional bus services in place in response to the pressure on household budgets from the global fuel crisis. These earlier services will allow commuters to get into Nelson in time for 7am and 7:30am starts, and into Richmond for 7:30am and 8am starts,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, Chair of the RTC. 

The earlier services had been due to start on 1 July 2026 but have been brought forward to help households deal with increased fuel costs due to the war in Iran. 

“Introducing these additional services now makes sense, particularly as many households continue to face cost-of-living pressures and higher fuel prices. Providing earlier public transport options gives people greater flexibility and a more affordable way to travel.” 

The RTC has been working through options to expand the morning timetable, with a focus on introducing the new services as soon as possible to help respond to household cost pressures and provide another practical transport option for people across the Nelson Tasman region. The additional services come at a cost of about $40,000 each, will receive the 51% subsidy from the Government through NZTA and can be funded from existing budgets. 

The new services build on recent timetable improvements, including the introduction of a 6:22am inbound Route 1 service from Berryfields in Richmond West to Nelson on 1 December, which has already provided an earlier travel option for passengers travelling into the city. 

Together, these additions aim to improve flexibility for early-morning commuters and make public transport a more accessible choice for a wider range of passengers. 

The new services from Tuesday, 7 April 2026: 

ROUTE 1 (via Waimea Road) 
5:50am:  Berryfields to Nelson, arriving 6.40am 

6:48am: Nelson to Berryfields, arriving at the Richmond Interchange 7:20am 
 

ROUTE 2 (via Tāhunanui) 
6:03am: Bateup Road, Richmond to Nelson, arriving 6:43am 

6:48am: Nelson to Berryfields,  arriving at the Richmond Interchange 7:20am