Getting around in Northland
The government announced several changes to public transport fares in the Budget on 18 May 2023.
On 1 July 2023, fares will revert to full price.
On CityLink services, full fares are $2 adult and $1 child.
On BusLink services, fares vary on the different routes. Check your route below or at: buslink.co.nz
Concessions are available from 1 July for:
- Children
- Young people
- Community Service Card holders
On CityLink services, anyone aged over 5 will need a Bee Card to get the discounts. If you or your tamariki have an existing Bee Card, you can use that one.
Cash fares are not eligible for the discounts and will pay full price.
If you don’t have a Bee Card, you can get a free one at Rose Street bus station until 31 August. We’ve been offering free Bee Cards to children and young people since the introduction of the new fares on 1 July, but from 1 September onwards, the standard charge of $5 per card will apply. Community Service Card holders can still apply for a free card.
What do I need to do?
Children
CityLink passengers – Children under 12 will travel free from 1 July. Infants 0-4 do not need a BeeCard and travel free. Children aged 5 and over will need a registered BeeCard. If you or your tamariki have an existing Bee Card, you can use that one. If you don’t have a Bee Card, you can get a free one at Rose Street bus station until 31 August. You can then just tap on when boarding the bus to travel for free.
If your tamariki aged under 12 has money loaded on their Bee Card, make sure they use it up before 1 July, as the system is unable to offer refunds.
BusLink passengers – Children under 12 will travel free.
Young People
CityLink passengers – teenagers aged 13-18 travel for half the child fare and will pay $0.50, young people aged 19-24 travel for half the adult fare and will pay $1.
BusLink passengers – young people aged 13-24 travel for half the standard fare. Fares vary on BusLink services, you can check the fares for your route below.
Community Service Card holders
Community Service Card (CSC) holders are eligible for half-price fares from 1 July 2023. You can apply for the concession now.
CityLink – If you are a CityLink passenger, for more information and how to apply go to: citylinkwhangarei.co.nz
BusLink – If you are a BusLink passenger, for more information go to: buslink.co.nz
Remember, the concessions apply from 1 July 2023.
If you need more information you can call 0800 002 004 and ask for the Transport team.
