Waikato rugby fans can again take a free bus to the Air New Zealand Cup home games in Hamilton this year, thanks to Environment Waikato, Hamilton City Council and the Waikato Rugby Union.

A free shuttle service from the centre of Hamilton to the stadium means fans can avoid parking hassles near the ground and park in town. Or they can leave their cars at home and catch a bus into the city to link up with the shuttle.

The first currently scheduled home match is against Tasman (8 August), followed by Auckland (30 August), Counties-Manukau (7 September), Otago (26 September) and Taranaki (2 October).

The free buses will leave from Hood St outside the Knox St carpark. They will depart every 10 minutes from an hour before kick off and travel via Victoria, Ulster and Abbotsford Sts to the ground. Passengers will be picked up at any official stop along the way.

Buses will depart directly after the final whistle on Tristram Street near the Mill St intersection. The buses will travel back to the CBD via Anglesea, Knox and Victoria Sts. Drop offs will be made at any official bus stop.

The free buses – part of Environment Waikato having buses support big events in Hamilton - have proved a hit with fans previously.

For more info, call 0800 4 BUSLINE (2875463) or visit www.busit.co.nz