On Lookout for Newer Bus

The Bus Society is on the lookout for a newer, larger bus to replace the current 1996 Hino model. Listed below are our requirements.

If you have any referrals or suggestions for where we can source a newer, larger school bus please contact Sally.

Future bus requirements:

  • 60 seats for primary children
  • Bench seating if possible
  • Seat belts not required
  • 8 to 10 metres long. Want to fit as many kids as possible in smallest possible size bus. 
  • Ideally under 150k mileage
  • Preferably not manufactured in China

Cape Hill & Tuhimata Trial

This week our bus driver Debbie is trialling a new bus route segment in the morning, turning right out of Grace James Rd and along Cape Hill Rd and Tuhimata Rd to school. The trial segment is marked in red on the map below.

Tuhimata Rd map

The Bus Society needs to know how many children would catch the bus on Cape Hill Rd or Tuhimata Rd if this became an option. Please use the form below if you would like the bus to stop on Cape Hill Rd or Tuhimata Rd.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Welcome on board Debbie Courtney

You’ll have seen a new face at the wheel of the PukekDebbieCourtneyohe East School bus. Debbie Courtney is our new bus driver and has a wealth of experience driving buses, 16 years to be exact. Her family business specialises in motorhome upholstery and seating and Debbie owns a 9-metre motorhome, the same length as the school bus. Recently Debbie and her husband moved to a 10-acre property on Tuhimata Rd. Debbie’s grandson Ashton Cook is in Totara class.

We’re still on the lookout for another driver to job-share with Debbie.

Donations Needed For Newer Larger Bus

Please make a donation to help keep our special historic school bus service going. The Pukekohe East School Bus has been operating since 1946, nearly 70 years. It was the first cooperatively-owned school bus in New Zealand and is thought to be the only one left.

Fast-forward to 2013 and the children of Pukekohe East School need a larger newer bus. Our current bus is at capacity and requires ongoing costly maintenance. A larger newer second-hand model will cost $120,000. The school community is saving hard but we need outside donations to reach our target.

Our school bus is 100% self-funded; no government funding is available to us. Please make a donation to our new bus cause so that we can continue to take the children of Pukekohe East to school and back everyday. Every little bit counts, just a couple dollars will do. To make a donation click here>  Thank you!

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