Fare changes
From mid-2021 fares will change
We’re working to make bus travel more accessible for everyone. Some fares will become cheaper than pre-Covid levels, and some will increase slightly.
We'd like your feedback on the proposed changes - please get in touch with us before the end of February:
- Give us a call on 0800 205 305
- Email us at busit@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Fill out the online survey here
1. We’re keeping the interim fare structure of a Bee Card fare, and cash fare for each zone, and won’t be re-introducing separate adult and child fares
The new youth fare cap will make bus travel cheaper than before for regular bus users 18 and under.
2. The introductory prices will be replaced with permanent fares
For travel within Hamilton, the $1.70 Bee Card interim fare will be changed to $2.00. The cash fare will change from $3.00 to $3.50.
Travel within the regional zones will also change
• Travel within one zone (for example from Kihikihi to Te Awamutu) on Bee Card will change from the interim fare of $1.00 to $2.00. The cash fare will
change from $2.00 to $3.50.
• Travel between two zones (for example from Ngaruawahia to Hamilton) on Bee Card will change from the interim fare of $2.20 to $3.00. The cash fare will change from $4.00 to $5.00.
• Travel between three zones (for example from Cambridge to Hamilton) on Bee Card will change from the interim fare of $2.70 to $4.00. The cash fare will change from $5.00 to $6.00.
• Travel between four zones (for example from Raglan to Hamilton) will change from the interim fare of $3.20 to $5.00. The cash fare will change from $6.00 to $7.00.
3. Free transfers remain
The free transfers on Bee Card will stay – including between regional and Hamilton buses. To activate your free ride, tag on to your next bus transfer within half an hour of tagging off on weekdays, or within an hour on weekends and evenings.
If you want to take a bus to / from the train station, you’ll also get this trip free when using Te Huia.
4. Regular bus users travel cheaper with weekly fare caps
On Bee Card, once you spend a certain amount each week (from Monday to Sunday), all further bus travel in that zone is free. In Hamilton this means the maximum an adult will pay per week is $20.00, and for people 18 and under, the maximum will be $15.00.
Fare capping is also available across zones - for example people travelling through three zones, like Huntly to Hamilton, the maximum weekly travel cost would be $40.00, and for people 18 and under it would be $30.00.
5. SuperGold concessions must now be loaded onto your Bee Card to continue to receive free travel in off-peak hours
You can load your concession online at beecard.co.nz. If you need a hand, call us on 0800 205 305 or come and see the team at the BUSIT counter inside the Transport Centre.
Proposed Waikato fares from mid-2021
Single fare |
|||
| Zones travelled | Bee Card | SuperGold | Cash* |
| Central City Zone** | $1.00 |
Load your SuperGold concession onto your Bee Card to travel free between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday, evenings from 6.30pm, and all day weekends and public holidays. |
$3.50 |
| 1 | $2.00 | $3.50 | |
| 2 | $3.00 | $5.00 | |
| 3 | $4.00 | $6.00 | |
| 4 | $5.00 | $7.00 | |
| 5 | $8.00 | $12.00 | |
| 6 | $10.00 | $15.00 | |
| 7 | $12.00 | $20.00 | |
Calculating your fare
To work out your fare, count the number of zones you will travel through, including the ones you will start and finish your journey in. For example, from Hamilton to Morrinsville the fare will be $4.00 on your Bee Card as you cross three zones.
Weekly cap - unlimited travel Monday to Sunday |
||
| Zones travelled | Bee Card - Adult | Bee Card - Youth (18 and under) |
| Central City Zone** | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| 1 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| 2 | $30.00 | $22.50 |
| 3 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| 4 | $50.00 | $37.50 |
| 5 | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| 6 | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| 7 | $120.00 | $90.00 |
*Exact change preferred.
**Travel within the Central City Zone and pay just $1.00 with your Bee Card.
Accessibility concession users travel free at all times. For more information on this concession for people with disabilities, please call 0800 205 305 or view the Accessibility concession page.
Fare changes on Te Huia
Te Huia train fares have been set until mid-2021. Proposed changes are detailed below. The train fares will follow the same format as bus fares, with a Bee Card and cash options - no child fares.
There won't be fare capping on rail, but free transfers from bus services apply.
Fares are paid on board the train - simply hand your Bee Card to the staff on board, or pay by cash or Eftpos at the café.
| Zone travelled | Current fare - Bee Card | Bee Card fare from mid-2021 | Cash | Cash fare from mid-2021 | ||
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | |||
| Frankton to Rotokauri | $2.40 | $1.68 | $2.00 | $3.50 | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Frankton/Rotokauri to Huntly | $4.00 | $2.80 | $4.00 | $5.50 | $4.00 | $7.00 |
| Huntly to Papakura | $7.80 | $5.46 | $8.00 | $11.00 | $7.50 | $12.00 |
| Frankton/Rotokauri to Papakura | $12.20 | $8.54 | $12.00 | $17.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 |
Calculating your fare
To work out your fare, count the number of zones you will travel through, including the ones you will start and finish your journey in. For example, from Hamilton to Morrinsville the fare will be $4.00 on your Bee Card as you cross three zones.