Free child bus fares set to end this month
Queenstown bus fares are going up from the end of this month.
The adult fare for Bee Card users will increase from $2 per trip to $2.50. The changes also include discontinuing free rides for children aged 5-12. They will now be charged $1.50, when using a Bee Card. The youth fare (13-18 year olds) remains at $1.50.
Cash fares for all are $4 (no Bee Card), although under fives remain free.
Otago Regional Council (ORC) is making these changes to meet new central government funding rules.
Anita Dawe, ORC's Planning and Transport general manager, acknowledged the impact the fare changes will have on people and families who frequently use public transport.
“We know that any change to the household budget will have an impact, however, after spending many hours going over the numbers, we’re pleased we can provide reliable and accessible public transport for a Bee Card adult fare of $2.50,” she says.
Cash fares on buses to Queenstown Airport are $8 for 5-18 year olds and $10 for adults, under fives free.
The fares are also increasing in Dunedin.
“Even with the fare increases, Otago’s fares are still some of the cheapest in the country, compared to other small cities,” Dawe says.
She encouraged all bus passengers to register their Bee Cards to make sure they receive the cheapest rate.
New Queenstown and Dunedin bus fares with a Bee Card will be:
- Under 5 – free, no Bee Card needed
- Child (5-12) - $1.50
- Youth (13-18) - $1.50
- Adult (19+) - $2.50
- Community Services Card holder (Community Connect) - $1.25
- SuperGold – Off-peak free, peak-time $2.50
- Cash fares remain the same and there will be no change to Queenstown ferry and airport bus fares.
More information www.orc.govt.nz/fares
