Get on board to help build balanced bus fares

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has launched a review of fares to make sure public transport remains accessible. File Photo.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has launched a comprehensive review of fares to ensure public transport remains accessible, sustainable, and easy to use.

This review will simplify the fare structure and balance affordability with growing service costs.

With rapid growth in the region, demand for reliable public transport continues to rise.

Meeting this demand requires sustainable funding which is primarily achieved through government subsidies, fare revenue, rates, and advertising.

However, new national expectations require all regions to recover a greater share of costs through fares and third-party revenue to maintain financial stability long-term. 

Councillor Andrew von Dadelszen, Chair of the Public Transport Committee said through this review, the Regional Council aims to develop a simpler, more resilient fare system that balances these financial goals with the needs of the community.

“Our goal is a straightforward, fair, fare structure that serves our growing region,” said Councillor von Dadelszen.

“By simplifying fares and introducing options for frequent riders, this review will make public transport work better for everyone.”

There are three key focus areas of the review:

  • Rewarding regular riders: Introducing options that make public transport an attractive, cost-effective choice for frequent users.

  • Accessibility: Creating a fare structure that is clear, easy to use, and consistent across the region.

  • Financial sustainability: Ensuring that fare structures support the costs of maintaining and expanding a reliable network.

The implementation of the new fare structure will align with the introduction of Motu Move, the National Ticketing Solution that will roll out in the Bay of Plenty late next year.

Oliver Haycock, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Public Transport Director said Motu Move will give customers new flexible payment options nationwide, including use of debit and credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as prepaid Motu Move cards and tickets, all making it easier than ever to use public transport.

“Aligning with Motu Move gives us the chance to build a system that’s not only straightforward but also future-focused,” explains Haycock.

“We’re committed to make public transport more convenient and user-friendly across the Bay of Plenty.”

Haycock encourages residents to get involved and have their say as part of the review.

“Community input is central to this review’s success.

“Whether you are a regular commuter or an occasional rider, your insights will help shape a fare system that serves our community effectively.

“Have your say online now or connect with us at upcoming community events.”

Key dates

  • 5 November
  • 9 November
  • 10 November 
  • 30 November   
  • 2 December  

Feedback open, visit participate.boprc.govt.nz/fares-review

Staff available in Rotorua, 7am to 1pm at Saturday Market, Kuirau Park

Staff available in Whakatāne, 9am to 1pm, Sunday Market, Mitchell Park 

Staff available in Tauranga, 9am to 1pm, Historic Village

Feedback closes

The fares review is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with any changes rolling out alongside Motu Move later in 2025.

4 comments

Hmmm

Posted on 06-11-2024 17:28 | By Let's get real

How long will it take for the truth to sink in..?
New Zealand is NOT like other countries. We have an extremely small population, that is centred in three main areas... Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The other "CITIES" are really no more than suburb sized areas on the map. Tauranga is built around a large body of water, unlike other areas, and we have numerous choke points which slow every form of transport. So why would you want to sit on a bus with people that you don't know, who may or may not have communicable diseases or might be either using or not using medication or might just be antisocial, when you can sit in the same traffic delays, listening to your own audio, smoke, eat and not have to sit quietly and not disturb others..?
New Zealanders right-of-passage is learning to drive as a teenager.!!


Can I just…

Posted on 07-11-2024 13:55 | By Shadow1

…say that the whole bus project is a joke. I’m not sure how long it has been going for but it seems like forever. At what point does Mr. Von Dadelszen decide to dump it. Obviously the bus company are happy, they don’t have to do much, just drive around all day. Also obvious is that very few people want to use the buses.
How about covering the very main arterial routes until they can earn a living off the passengers and then extend it when needed. Why should anyone who doesn’t use the buses have to pay for them?
I think Regional Council have a nerve charging all ratepayers the amount they do for the length of time they seem to consider necessary without having a plan to make it pay for itself.
Shadow1


PLEASE, NO ONES ON THE BUS

Posted on 08-11-2024 07:40 | By an_alias

I watch endless buses going past with ZERO people on board.
Fiddling with rates wont change something that is NOT needed.
Please show the usage of paying customers please.


What an absolute

Posted on 08-11-2024 20:45 | By nerak

waste of our money! Not only are they wasting our money in their grand overheated building in Elizabeth St, but they charge all of us an exorbitant amount for 'passenger transport'. High time they launched a 'comprehensive review' of the number and size of the monstrosities, 98% of the time empty, they push on the public and woke up to what people have suggested for years, smaller buses. Is that why that portion of the rates is so high? To help cover the excessive, endless spending putting unused buses on our roads? BOPRC live in lala land, get off your butts and see what the rest of the city knows. Like many others, I'm beyond anger I get charged for public transport I don't use.


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