Public transport

Our regional transport system is vital to everyday life, from travelling to work, play and services, to getting access to the goods we need, and helping our exports and imports move smoothly to and from ports and airports.

Effective public transport plays an important role in the growth of our region and as public transport becomes safer, cheaper and more efficient, congestion eases for all users and carbon emissions are reduced to improve air quality and public health.

Regional Council manage regional land transport planning and plan, co-fund and deliver public transport in the Bay of Plenty to provide safe, convenient and affordable services.

The Baybus network, delivered in partnership with our bus operators, includes Bayhopper buses in the Western and Eastern Bay, and Cityride buses in Rotorua, as well as inter-regional services. Visit baybus.co.nz for timetables, routes and plan your journey or call 0800 4 BAY BUS (0800 4 229 287).

For people who have difficultly using regular public transport services, we subsidise taxi services through the Total Mobility Scheme.

Public transport in the Bay of Plenty is funded through the fares paid by users, targeted rates and investment from Waka Kotahi.

We continue work on improvements to public transport services and infrastructure in collaboration with our partners. Working together with local city and district councils and Waka Kotahi to ensure that transport planning, investment and public transport services support our communities’ needs.

Register or withdraw commercial public transport services

We are responsible for the registration of public transport services in the region.

If you are operating, or plan to operate, any type of commercial public transport service either in or passing through the Bay of Plenty, you must register your service at least 35 working days before the service is to start. We also need to be advised of any changes to a registered service including the intention to withdraw a registered service.

How to register, withdraw or makes changes to a passenger transport service

There's some important information you need to be aware of so that we - and you - can fulfil our responsibilities under the Public Transport Management Act 2008 (the Act).

Bus service registrations

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (the Council) is responsible for the registration of public transport services in the region. In accordance with Sections 29 to 47 of the Act, we are required to register all public transport services operating in the region.

Operators are required to supply Council written notice of the details of the proposed service at least 35 working days before the commercial public transport service is to start.

Having registered a service, operators are required to notify Council of any changes to fares, timetables, routes and operating areas that may occur. There is no cost involved in the registering of services.

The register of transport services is available to the public, free of charge or at a reasonable charge, during normal office hours, at our office at 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne.

Note: A Regional Council may decline to register a passenger service under Section 33 of the Act.

Registering a passenger transport service

This requirement does not apply if the commercial public transport service does not pick up or drop off passengers in the region.

You can download an application to register a passenger service below.

Altering or withdrawing services

We need to be advised of any changes to a registered service including the intention to withdraw a registered service. Again, 35 working days notice must be adhered to as stated in the Act.

You can download an application to vary a passenger service below.

Application and notification forms

To register, vary or withdraw a passenger service in writing, print out the handwritten version of the relevant form and post it to:

Mary McLaren
Passenger Transport Registration
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
PO Box 364
Whakatāne 3158

Application Forms
Application to Register a Proposed Passenger Service - electronic
Application to Register a Proposed Passenger Service - handwritten
Application to Vary a Commercial Service Registration - electronic
Application to Vary a Commercial Service Registration - handwritten
Application to Withdraw a Registered Passenger Service - electronic
Application to Withdraw a Registered Passenger Service - handwritten

For further information, please contact us on 0800 884 880.