Fare changes for Otago bus services will take effect from today, prompting the council to remind commuters to make sure their bus cards are topped up and ready to go.
The Otago Regional Council reminded bus users that starting today there would be a fare increase on public transport for commuters over the age of 12.
The government’s Community Connect fare subsidies, which were providing free or cheaper fares for people aged between 5 and 24, ended yesterday.
ORC transport manager Lorraine Cheyne said the council decided to fund free fares for children aged between 5 and 12, but fares would increase for passengers aged 13 to 24.
"Please make sure you register and top up your Bee Card to access cheaper fares. These are only available with a registered Bee Card."
Half-price fares for Community Service Card holders and Total Mobility service users would not change.
Fares
The May 1 bus fare changes for those with a registered Bee Card:
- Children under 5 are still free.
- Fares for children 5-12: free (with correctly registered Bee Card).
- Fares for youth 13-18: Dunedin $1.20, Queenstown $1.50 per one-way trip.
- Fares for adults 19+: Dunedin and Queenstown $2 per one way trip.
- No change to the free off-peak concessions for SuperGold card holders ($2 during peak times with a registered Bee Card, free fares off peak).
- No change for Community Services Card holders (half-price adult fares with a registered Bee Card).
- Cash fares for those aged 13+: $3 Dunedin, $4 Queenstown, $10 Queenstown Airport.
