Mayor Neil Volzke's parting words, "please do remember to come back" on Thursday morning were for the excited passengers on the new bus service from Stratford to New Plymouth.
The trial period got off to a positive start as many members of the Stratford community showed up to join the shoppers' bus service.
As previously reported in the Stratford Press this service has been described as a "use it or lose it" trial as described by Taranaki Regional Council's transport services manager, Chris Clarke. Chris also engaged the passengers of the bus before departure: "Thank you so much for supporting this service and showing up this morning. This kind of support will enable this service to continue."
One of the passengers first in line for the service was president of Grey Power Stratford, John Shields: "It is so exciting that we finally have this up and running and in my opinion this has been an incredibly successful day." Many of the other passengers agreed. Clayton Yaxley of Inglewood says, "This is such a great service, I hope it continues"; Margaret Sharpe of Stratford says, "I was able to get all my shopping done, I would absolutely use this service again."
The successful afternoon hosted by friendly bus driver Alan Curtis was topped off with a cup of coffee at Sergeant Peppers thanks to Grey Power Stratford.