Taupo District Council is investigating options to relocate the current transport centre to Tongariro Street to provide a one-stop location for travellers in Taupo's Central Business District.

Currently a bus terminal on Gascoigne Street services two national passenger bus companies, Intercity and Newmans. Tongariro Street, outside the Taupo i-SITE, is used by Naked Bus and the Taupo Connector. Other companies such as Magic Bus, Stray Travel and Kiwi Experience provide door-to-door services within the Taupo Central Business District (CBD).

In September, Council staff undertook a review of bus movements at Gascoigne Street and Tongariro Street. At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 December, Councillors were asked to consider four possible locations for a combined transport centre, including the existing location of Gascoigne Street, Tongariro Street, Heuheu Street (adjacent to the BP car park) and Tuwharetoa Street.

Council agreed to continue to carry out further planning for establishing a centralised transport centre in the vicinity of Tongariro Street. Tongariro Street has close proximity to public toilets, information services, CBD retailers, existing pedestrian routes, accommodation and the capacity for future growth. Further transport connections would be available on-site via the Taupo Connector and Taupo Taxis, who are looking to relocate in the same vicinity.

Tongariro Street has been identified as a potential site in previous studies and the Taupo Urban Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan (2011). A decision will be made when a final plan is presented outlining the facilities required. Any relocation of the current transport centre on Gascoigne Street would provide the opportunity to sell or lease the site.

Strategic Manager, Business Development, Will Samuel, says having all buses operate out of a single location will provide a better experience for travellers and enhance the town centre. "We will continue working with stakeholders to develop a solution over the coming months."