FAQs

We've put together some answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. 

 

Topping up

How can I top up?

You can top up at the Transport Centre with cash or eftpos or online with your debit or credit card at beecard.co.nz. The minimum amount for top-up is $5.00. 

Can I get cash out at the BUSIT Counter?

No, we do not provide cash out at our counter. There is an ATM available in the Transport Centre.

 

Lost Property 

I’ve left something on the bus, how can I get it back?

If you have left something on the bus, we can try get it back to you. Lost property found by bus drivers gets dropped into the Transport Centre the following day. You can call us on 07 859 0509 and we can see if we have your lost property in storage. If we do not, we will get your contact details and a description of your lost item(s).

 

Tickets

Do I buy regional tickets at the BUSIT counter?

No. If you are wanting to use one of our regional buses, you need to pay cash to the driver use your Bee Card to get the cheapest fare.

Can I pay for two fares with one Bee Card?

We recommend that every passenger has their own Bee Card but yes, you can pay for another passenger's fares with your card if needed. You'll need to speak to the driver, and any extra passengers will be charged the adult fare price.

Can I pay half my fare with cash and the other half with a Bee Card?

No. You'll need to pay your full fare in cash or with your Bee Card.

 

Bee Card

What happened to the BUSIT card?

The BUSIT card was replaced with Bee Card from Monday 6 July 2020. Bee Card uses modern technology and offers many new benefits passengers have been asking for. Read more about Bee Card here.

What happens if you lose your Bee Card?

If your registered Bee Card is lost or stolen, you can cancel your card online or in person and your balance can then be transferred to a new card. You will need to pay for a replacement card. Balances cannot be transferred on lost or stolen cards that are not registered.

What is the cost of a Bee Card?

Bee Card's are currently free. The card will cost $5.00 later in 2020. 

Do children have a separate Bee Card?

No, child and adult cards are the same. Concessions are loaded electronically. Currently there are no separate child and adult fares. Child fares will return later in 2020. A child fare applies to children aged 5-14 or enrolled high school students with approved school ID, or if school uniform. Children under 5 years travel free.

I no longer need my bus card. Can I get a refund from the remaining credit on my Bee Card?

No. We are unable to provide refunds. Please consider this when topping up your Bee Card. 

 

Discounts

Who gets the student discount?

All student discounts are currently suspened. They will return later in 2020. Wintec and University of Waikato students/staff receive a 30% discount on their adult Bee Card fare when showing their Wintec or University of Waikato ID card. There are no other tertiary discounts.

I am a tertiary student not studying at either Wintec or the University of Waikato. How come I do not get the student discount?

Tertiary fares are subsidised by the education providers. If you are ineligible for the discount, it is because your tertiary provider does not make up the rest of the cost for your institution.

 

 

60 + Cards

What is a 60+ card?

60+ cards were available for those aged between 60 and 65 under the BUSIT card system. We are honouring the 60+ card concession on Bee Card until later this year, but no new 60+ concessions will be issued.

 

SuperGold Cards

When can I travel free on my SuperGold card?

Free SuperGold card travel applies Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am-3pm, and 6.30pm until end of service. All travel is free on weekends and public holidays.

Does my SuperGold card work on all bus routes?

Yes, you can use it on any urban or regional route.

 

Airport Bus

Are there buses to the Hamilton airport?

No, we do not organise any buses to Hamilton Airport. 

 

Journey Planning

Trying to find the right bus for your journey?

Check out our journey planner or download the Transit App from the App store or Google Play for real time journey planning. There are also maps for each bus route under Hamilton buses and Regional buses.

How do I know if the bus is running late?

We have some real time e-stops but the best way to check is by using the Transit App. It has real time GPS tracking of our buses and gives you accurate arrival times.

 

Catching the bus

Do I have to signal the bus or will it stop for me?

It is important that you stand at the bus stop and signal to the driver to ensure that they stop for you.

Do you have WiFi on the buses?

Some of our buses do have WiFi! Each device has an allowance of 20 mg per day.

Do all the buses have USB charging ports?

Unfortunately, not all buses. Around half of our buses have charging ports.

 

Bike racks

Do all buses have bike racks?

The only buses that have bike racks are our buses that travel on the regional routes.