Public transport is a critical component for transporting and contributing to a thriving region and we are committed to delivering this vision for the Bay of Plenty.
Bee Card
Bee Card is the prepay travel smartcard for nine regions of New Zealand. The Bee Card can be used for local public transport in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui, Nelson, Otago and Invercargill.
As of 20th July 2020 Bee card went live for Eastern Bay (including Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, and Whakatāne), Rotorua, Ōmokoroa and Katikati and then 27th July 2020 for Tauranga.
For additional information about the Bee Card please go to the www.baybus.co.nz/beecard
Free fares for Tauranga students
From 2020 all students travelling on dedicated Bayhopper school buses or Tauranga urban routes can travel for free before 9am and between 2.30 and 6.30pm. This is a one year trial and applies to school days only. Students must have their student Id and/or be in school uniform. Read more.
Regional tertiary/commuter services
New Regional Tertiary/Commuter services will begin when Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and The University of Waikato start again. The services are a joint venture between the University of Waikato, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, with each organisation contributing funds to make the service available, along with a grant from the New Zealand Transport Association (NZTA). The services will operate Monday to Friday excluding public holidays, between 1 February and 19 December 2021. Extension of the services beyond this date will be subject to a review of the trial. Read more.
Accessible Bus Concession
The free bus concession, disability concession or accessibility concession is available to anyone living in our region who meets the following eligibility criteria.
Criteria:
- The Accessibility Concession is available to people who have an impairment which means they are permanently unable to drive.
- The impairment can be physical, intellectual, psychological, sensory or neurological.
- Existing TM members are automatically eligible but will need a Bee Card ($5 charge).
Concession:
- 100% subsidy, 24/7 on all contracted BOPRC bus services throughout the region.
- The Concession will be loaded on to a current Bee Card ($5 charge for the card).
Launch date:
- 01 July 2021
Please view the Baybus website for the most up to date information.