Bee ready for cheaper bus fares

In line with the recent Government announcement, Horizons Regional Council will reduce public transport fares by half, including Total Mobility, from April 1 to June 30.

Horizons transport manager Mark Read said passengers won’t need to do anything to activate this saving on the region’s bus services, Capital Connection and Total Mobility services, as they will automatically reduce on Friday..

“For bus fares, where they might half to an odd number, we will be rounding down to the nearest 10 — for example, $1.25 will equate to a $1.20 fare. This applies to all Bee Card and cash fares,” said Read. “For Total Mobility users this means an extra 50 per cent on their subsidy rather than 50 per cent off the entire trip. If your subsidy is normally $10 and you take a $20 trip, then $15 would be covered by the scheme.

“If you’re catching a bus for the first time, it’s quicker, easier and cheaper if you have a Bee Card. During this time people can purchase a Bee Card on the bus and will receive a bonus $5 top-up if their first is $5 or more.”

During the three-month subsidy period bus users will not be able to purchase monthly passes as the halfprice fare will work out cheaper. This will avoid disappointment for the user when they purchase a pass at the end of the scheme and find they are unable to use it after June 30 due to fare difference.

Passenger transport users will need to adhere to any Covid requirements. This includes wearing a mask and boarding from the rear of the bus for those with a Bee Card and are able to.