Big Queenstown bus savings starting tomorrow for some

From tomorrow, July 1, Bee Card holders can expect to have some savings when they travel on public transport in Queenstown, as central government support to reduce costs for targeted groups kicks in.

The Otago Regional Council is urging passengers to familiarise themselves with new prices, as fares differ for different age groups and can be “complicated”, Transport Manager Lorraine Cheyne says.

“Children five to 12 years can travel free on the bus if they tag on and tag off with their Bee Card.”

Ms Cheyne encourages family members to register their child with a Bee Card, as the free fare “could make a positive difference to weekly travel costs”.

There are also savings for some other age groups, with 13 to 18 year olds set to pay 75 cents in Queenstown per trip from tomorrow, while for 19 to 24 year olds, it’s half-price at $1 per trip.

Half price fares will also begin for Community Services Card holders with a registered Bee Card.

Meanwhile, those aged 25 to 64 pay a regular fare price of $2 per trip, while SuperGold Card holders with a Bee Card are still access free off-peak travel, with trips during peak hours will cost $2 per trip.

Cash fares in Queenstown will be $4 on a regular bus, $10 on a Queenstown airport bus and $14 on a Queenstown ferry.

There’s also a fare finder on the regional council's website, orc.govt.nz/fares.

The Government announced in Budget 2023 it would continue to provide major support for younger public transport users as well as for Community Services Card holders.