Queenstown bus fares to increase for some from Wednesday

Young people are being reminded the price to travel by bus will jump from next Wednesday, May 1, when fare subsidies initiated by central government end.

While the Otago Regional Council has decided to continue funding cheaper fares for bus riders 12 years old and under, 13 to 24 year olds will be hit by the removal of half price fares.

In a written statement today, ORC transport manager Lorraine Cheyne says passengers should familiarise themselves with the new fare structure for 13 to 24 year olds.

“Please make sure you register and top up your Bee Card to access cheaper fares these are only available with a registered Bee Card,” Ms Cheyne says.

Earlier, ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said councillors voted to continue funding free fares for children to make bus travel "as accessible and affordable as possible".

"There is a real demand for our public transport service, and we wanted to continue this momentum."

What to expect from Wednesday

• Children up to 12 years old are free
• Fares for youth 13 to 18 years are $1.50 per one-way trip on Queenstown network
• Fares for adults 19 and over are $2 per one-way trip on Queenstown network
• No change to the free off-peak concessions for SuperGold card holders - $2 during peak times with a registered Bee Card and 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 and over are $4 on the Queenstown, with the exception of $10 for Queenstown Airport

Fare information is available on the ORC's website.

Main image (Supplied/ORC)