New prepay bus fares in Hamilton

A new prepay bus fare system that will make travel easier and, in most cases, cheaper will soon be launched in Hamilton. The ‘‘Bee

Card’’ will replace the existing Busit card and also – temporarily at least – the separate child, University of Waikato, Wintec or 60+ discounted fares.

The new scheme will begin on Monday, July 6, with what is being touted as special introductory prices.

A Hamilton bus fare will be $1.70 for all Bee Card users, instead of the previous $2.40 adult Busit card fare.

But for those without a card, the cash fare will be $3.

Hamilton’s CBD Shuttle service will also be replaced with a new $1 central city fare zone, exclusive for Bee Card holders, from the motels on Ulster St through to Waikato Hospital.

But the cheaper rides might not last forever. Reinstatement of normal fares and concession types, including the youth concession, will be reviewed over the coming months.

SuperGold Card holders will still receive free travel in off-peak hours and accessibility concession holders still receive free travel at all times with their Bee Card.

Waikato Regional Council public transport operations manager Andrew Wilson said he was excited about the new system.

‘‘The tag on/tag off system will also be beneficial in providing useful data going forward to help us to improve the bus network for everyone.’’

Over the next few weeks, existing Busit card holders will be able to swap their cards and transfer balances to the new Bee Cards.

‘‘We’re all about supporting public transport initiatives that make travel easier and smarter for all Hamiltonians, as well as encouraging people to look at alternative ways of travel,’’ Hamilton City Council city transportation manager Jason Harrison said.

‘‘This new prepay bus card is a great example of this.’’

People will be able to order their new cards by going to beecard.co.nz.