Sunlive – The Regional Council adopts a new bus tariff system

The Bay of Plety Regional Council has adopted a new system of public transport rates.

In a statement published this week, the Council said that the system is expected to create a simpler and more durable approach, which will balance accessibility with the need to support increasing service costs.

The new system is expected that it will be introduced at the end of 2025, with changes to the children’s and youth tariff system that will be introduced in accordance with the new school year of 2026.

The final elements of the system were adopted at the meeting of the Regional Council on February 13 and followed a comprehensive review, the Council said.

The new structure and prices are designed to simplify the tariffs, to reward ordinary users and to achieve the national objectives for increasing the rate of private income.

The changes are aligned with the government expectations presented in the 2024 government policy statement on terrestrial transport, which requests the public transport authorities (such as regional councils) to recover more costs through the bus tariffs and third -party income and reduce the subsidy addiction and addiction rates.

The chairman of the Public Transport Committee, Andrew von Dadelszen, acknowledged the complexity of the regional council’s role and the challenge faced in navigating national directives to recover more costs through rates, maintaining accessibility for local communities.

“As our region is growing, we must respond to the increasing requirements of our public transport system in a way that is aligned with government expectations, but also reflects the needs of our people.

“Balancing these priorities is essential to ensure that public transport remains accessible and reliable in the long term.”

The new tariff system will include a constant adult rate for customers traveling in the urban areas of Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatāne.

Customers traveling outside the urban area will be charged according to the number of areas they pass on their journey. The fare covers and discounts outside the tip will reward ordinary riders and encourage trips outside the top.

From 2026, the rates with discounts for children and young people (5-18 years) will be reinstalled for travel during peak periods, bringing Plety Bay according to the rest of New Zealand.

Under the new structure, this means that children and young people will pay half the adult tariff for their journey.

The Regional Council acknowledges that the raising of tariffs can be difficult.

The feedback of the elected members and the community highlighted the importance of concessions and benefits to compensate for the impact.

These were priority in the new system, ensuring that it remains correct and accessible to those who need the most.

The director of public transport of the Regional Council, Oliver Haycock, said the changes are important to support the growth of the region.

“This new tariff structure is a critical step in creating a resistant and future -oriented system, which will meet the needs of our communities.

“It is ensured that we can maintain and improve the services, making public transport easier and more accessible to everyone.

“There was no substantial review of the tariffs for five years, without adjusting for inflation during this period.”

Except for new rates for children and young people, it is anticipated that the new tariff system will be introduced at the end of 2025.

More information about the new tariff system and its implementation will be communicated to customers closer to launch, ensuring that they are well informed about changes and how they will affect their journey.

Key features of the new tariff system:

The system will introduce the simplicity and consistency of the tariffs based on the area, travel outside the tip at half to encourage flexibility and tariff covers to reward frequent riding.

Concessions for key groups, such as community service card holders and accessibility users, remain a priority.

Zone -based prices:

The rates are based on the areas traveled, simplifying costs throughout the region.

Concessions

– Card holders for community services: 50% of adult tariffs.

– Supergold card holders: Free TRUE TRAVELS.

– users of accessibility (and +1 caretaker): free.

– infants: free.

– Children and young people (5-18 years): 50% of adult tariffs in 2026.

Discounts outside the tip

50% discount for travelers outside peak hours (9:00 – 2.30 PM and after 6:00 pm).

Tariff caps

Limits of daily and weekly expenses:

– Daily head: Free trip after 3 trips.

– Weekly head: Free trip after 7 trips.