Commuter and school bus services in New Plymouth, Bell Block, Waitara and Oakura have been revamped and expanded from 31 May 2010. A new fare structure has also being introduced.
The Taranaki Regional Council is responsible for planning and providing contracted bus services, and has been working with its contractor, Tranzit Coachlines, and the New Plymouth District Council on these improvements.
This page deals with frequently asked questions about the improvements. If you have other queries, click on the link below to use this website's feedback form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click on a general heading for a list of related questions and answers, or just scroll down the page.
| General queries (including fares) | Waitara/Bell Block services | Oakura services | |
| SmartCards | SuperGold Cards | Transfers | School services |
General queries
Why make changes?
The changes recognise continued calls from residents of New Plymouth and the District Council for a more comprehensive public transport network.
Historically, the New Plymouth bus network has been primarily a school service with limited services catering to other commuters. This has led to lower service levels compared to other cities of similar size. The aim of the changes was to create a network that caters to all commuters with greater coverage and more frequent peak services.
What's being improved?
The improvements are summed up in the table below:
|
Key features |
Previous bus service |
New bus service |
|
Number of bus routes (peak times) |
4 |
9 |
|
Number of bus routes (off peak) |
4 |
5 |
|
Orbiter service linking schools |
N/A |
1 route (4 buses) |
|
Bus coverage |
Covers large parts of New Plymouth, but excluding The Valley, Glen Avon, Whalers Gate, Ferndale |
Covers the whole of New Plymouth, including The Valley, Glen Avon, Whalers Gate, Ferndale |
|
Length of time to travel bus route |
40 - 45 minutes |
30 - 35 minutes (peak) |
|
Last scheduled service |
6pm |
6.30pm |
|
Waiting times for next bus |
Max 70 minutes (mornings) to 90 minutes (afternoons) |
Max 40 minutes (peak), 70 minutes (off peak) |
|
Capacity |
Approx 380 seats a day |
Approx 500 seats a day |
|
Saturday services |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Smartcard ticketing |
On four buses |
On all buses |
|
Waitara |
4 return services |
5 return services (including The Valley). First and last includes Taranaki Base Hospital. |
|
Oakura |
1 return service |
4 return services |
Why have fares gone up?
Fares have gone up:
- In recognition of the extra cost of significantly improved services - more frequent peak services, shorter travel times and extended services throughout the day.
- To ensure users are paying a fair share of the cost of the service.
Fares had not increased since 2007, and the new fare structure is comparable with those in other regions.
It's also worth noting that although fares have gone up, passengers are now paying a smaller proportion of the total cost of providing these services.
Central government is also challenging regional authorities to maintain or increase the local share of the costs of providing public transport and the fares have been set to preserve a reasonable balance between users (fares), rates (Taranaki Regional Council) and tax (New Zealand Transport Agency funding).
Who sets the fares?
The Taranaki Regional Council plans the services and also sets the level of fares.
Why have separate Bell Block, Waitara and Oakura fares been introduced?
The change results in a more equitable distance-based fare structure — recognising that the longer the trip, the higher the cost of providing it. Moving from two fare zones to five fare zones allows greater flexibility for users.
How do the new fares compare to the cost of a car trip?
The table below shows the comparative costs of a car trip (1600cc car) and the Adult SmartCard fare rate.
|
From Bus Centre to: |
Distance |
Car costs |
New adult fare |
|
Moturoa |
6.05 |
$3.47 |
$2.60 |
|
Whalers Gate |
6.35 |
$3.64 |
$2.60 |
|
Lynmouth/Marfell |
5.07 |
$3.27 |
$2.60 |
|
Westown/Hurdon |
5.50 |
$3.16 |
$2.60 |
|
Frankleigh Park |
6.40 |
$3.67 |
$2.60 |
|
Vogeltown/Brooklands |
5.20 |
$2.98 |
$2.60 |
|
Welbourn |
5.30 |
$3.04 |
$2.60 |
|
Merrilands/Highlands Park |
7.20 |
$4.13 |
$2.60 |
|
Fitzroy/The Valley |
5.25 |
$3.01 |
$2.60 |
|
Bell Block |
8.10 |
$4.65 |
$3.00 |
|
Oakura |
14.30 |
$8.21 |
$3.70 |
|
Waitara |
17.30 |
$9.93 |
$4.50 |
| 2009 car cost statistics supplied by AA New Zealand | |||
The above car costs do not include parking charges, and are based on a single person per trip. Comparing car costs with public transport fares is difficult because of the variety of car sizes and differing car-parking costs. Most people generally only consider operating costs (petrol, tyres and repairs), rather than the total cost.
What are the main changes to the fare structure?
The main changes are:
- The discount rate of 25% for SmartCard trips is applied consistently to all adult single fares.
- The cash fare discount for children and other concession fare categories is reduced from 50% to approximately 43% and rounded to the nearest 50 cents.
- The SmartCard discount for children and other concession fare categories is changed from 13% (New Plymouth/Bell Block) and 15% (Oakura/Waitara) to a flat 20%.
Why are 10-trip tickets being phased out?
The paper 10-trip tickets are being replaced by more robust and convenient electronic SmartCards to streamline and modernize the system.
Besides SmartCards, will other frequent user ticket options be introduced?
Further frequent user ticket options, such as monthly passes, may be considered as the services develop.
Why have return tickets been dropped?
This option has been removed because it was little used.
What are concession fares?
Concession fares are discounts for children, tertiary students, beneficiaries, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Why do I have to show the driver ID to claim a concession fare?
To prove that you qualify for a concession fare. If you do not produce suitable ID you will be charged an adult fare.
Why do I have to take my ticket?
Keep your ticket as proof of purchase. Also, if paying by SmartCard, it will provide you with the balance left on your card. You may be asked to provide it by Taranaki Regional Council or Tranzit Coachlines staff, or any other authorized person.
Why have route numbers changed?
The route numbers have been simplified to to make it easier for passengers to identify which bus they should catch.
How do I identify my bus?
The sign at the front of the bus shows both route number and suburb/s, for example: 1 Moturoa
All the route details are on this website. Click here for index of routes.
Why doesn't the bus come past my place any more?
The overall goal of the changes is to achieve wider coverage and shorter travel times. This has resulted in the development of new routes and circuits, and inevitably some people have been inconvenienced.
What are the numbered points in the timetable?
These are timing points where you can reasonably expect the bus to be at that particular time. The bus may pause here briefly to make sure the service is not running ahead of schedule. This should make it easier for you to estimate the time the bus will arrive at your stop.
Why are the timetable times approximate only?
Traffic conditions may cause delays.
Is a large-print version of the timetable available?
Yes, call 0800 87 22 87 to obtain a copy.
Do any of the new services go to The Valley?
Yes, Route 9 (Fitzroy/The Valley/Glen Avon) includes The Valley Mega Centre as part of its scheduled route, with 10 services a day from the Bus Centre. Route 20 to and from Bell Block and Waitara also stops at The Valley except for the first inbound morning service.
What changes have been made to Saturday services?
The Saturday services remain largely unchanged apart from:
- Route 11 (New Plymouth East) including The Valley.
- Route 11 excluding Paynters Avenue and Lismore Street.
- Route 10 (New Plymouth West) having a new starting point, the corner of Tukapa Street and David Street.
Why do some printed timetables show Route 11 as a Sunday service?
This is a mistake. Route 11 operates on Saturday only. There are no Sunday services.
What does "Runs until the last passenger disembarks" mean?
The driver won't pick up passengers, only drop them off. The bus will not return to the Bus Centre.
Why don't all the urban buses go to Centre City and Liardet Street as they used to?
Both Centre City and Liardet Street have been removed as stops for all the services to reduce the distance and travel times of the routes, especially those heading to the western suburbs. Routing all the buses to these stops also led to unnecessary traffic congestion. However, Centre City is now being used as a terminus for Route 9 (Fitzroy/The Valley/Glen Avon) and Route 20 (Waitara/Bell Block).
Where will I catch my bus if I previously used the Centre City or Liardet Street stops?
The Bus Centre is the hub for most services. Route 7 (Welbourn) will use Liardet Street on outward and inward trips. Route 6 (Vogeltown/Brooklands) will use Liardet Street on the inward journey only.
How can I get from Liardet St to the Bus Centre?
You can still use the bus. Just catch either Route 6 (Vogeltown/Brooklands) or 7 (Welbourn) as they return to the Bus Centre. Tell the driver you would like to transfer to your service and your trip home is free. (Free transfers must occur within an hour of purchasing your first ticket).
How do I reach the central supermarkets and The Warehouse by bus?
Route 7 Welbourn (outward trip) can be used from the Bus Centre Hub to get up to those supermarkets located between Leach and Courtenay Streets. The following stops are relevant:
- Liardet Street (walking distance to New World supermarket).
- Courtenay Street (outside The Warehouse, opposite New World).
- Leach Street (by Mobil Service Station, opposite Woolworths).
Route 6 (Vogeltown/Brooklands) and Route 7 (Welbourn) can be used to get back from Liardet Street to the Bus Centre at Ariki Street where you can catch all the other urban services. Remember to ask the driver on the first bus for a transfer ticket, so that your second ride is free.
Is the new service here to stay?
Central Government funding has been secured up until the end of June 2012. The Taranaki Regional Council must report on the growth and success of the new services by 30 March 2012, prior to further ongoing funding decisions. The message is simple - 'use it or lose it'.
Why is Tranzit Coachlines Taranaki providing the service?
The Regional Council contracts Tranzit Coachlines Taranaki Ltd to provide the service. They were the lowest conforming tender (by a significant margin) following a competitive procurement process undertaken in line with New Zealand Transport Agency requirements.
Do Tranzit hold a monopoly on providing the service?
No, The Taranaki Regional Council is required to tender the services on a regular basis and the service will be re-tendered in the future, a process which will be open to all operators.
What is expected of me when using the bus?
All riders are required to comply with a code of conduct. Click here to read the code of conduct.
Are school buses only for students?
No, any members of the public are able to use these services.
Waitara-Bell Block services
I need to get the bus between Waitara and Bell Block. How does will it cost?
New fares apply for trips between Bell Block and Waitara.
|
Fares between Bell Block and Waitara |
SmartCard |
Cash fare |
|
Adult |
$2.60 |
$3.50 |
|
Child |
$1.60 |
$2.00 |
|
Concession fares |
$1.60
|
$2.00
|
How does the new Bell Block bypass affect bus services?
The Waitara/Bell Block services have been rerouted to take account of the bypass. For example, Waitara services still enter Bell Block from Mangati Road, travel south along Devon Road to the interchange and head back north down Devon Road to enter Mangati Road.
Do the Waitara-Bell Block services at 9.25am and 3.25pm cease to operate during school holidays, as they have done previously?
No, all Waitara services will continue Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) and will continue to run throughout the year.
Do Waitara-Bell Block services stop at The Valley Mega Centre?
Yes, daily services will include The Valley Mega Centre, except the first service from Waitara (7.05am). (Note: the last bus of the day from New Plymouth WILL stop at The Valley, contrary to some earlier information.)
I travel from Waitara/Bell Block and work at the Taranaki Base Hospital. Can I get a direct service?
Yes, a trial is being carried out with the first service (7.05am) extending to Base Hospital, arriving at approximately 7.55am. The last service of the day commences from Base Hospital at 5.25pm before arriving at the Bus Centre for the 5.35pm service to Bell Block-Waitara.
Oakura services
Are there any changes to services for Oakura?
Yes, four new Monday-to-Friday return services started from Monday 31 May.
SuperGold Cards
If I'm a SuperGold card holder, can I use my card on all the new services to get free off-peak travel?
Yes, all the new services are covered under the SuperGold Card free off-peak travel scheme. SuperGold card holders travel for free on off-peak services (from 9am to 3pm, and after 6.30pm, on weekdays, and all Saturday services).
SmartCards
What are SmartCards?
SmartCards are electronic (prepay) travel cards. The electronic card stores your money to pay your fare on all CityLink buses.
What are the benefits of a Smartcard?
- Automatically receive discounted fares.
- You do not have to carry cash every time you ride a bus.
- It makes travelling on the buses easier for individuals who have trouble handling cash.
Where can I purchase my SmartCard?
You can purchase your SmartCard from Tranzit's office at 15 Sunley Street, New Plymouth. Tranzit's office is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Phone 0800 87 22 87.
How do I pay for my fare using my SmartCard?
Once you board the bus show the driver your ID (if claiming a concession), and tell the driver your destination and if you are intending to transfer to another service. The driver will punch in the appropriate fare on the on-board card reader and all you do is then pass your SmartCard over the reader (within 5cm), and your fare is deducted automatically from your card's balance.
Where do I top up my SmartCard?
You can top up your SmartCard with cash onboard the bus or by cash or EFTPOS at Tranzit's office at 15 Sunley St, New Plymouth. The minimum recharge is $10.
Click here to read the SmartCard terms and conditions
Click here to download a SmartCard application form (167 KB)
Transfers
Are transfers still available?
Yes, a free transfer ticket is available for passengers who wish to transfer directly from one route to another within the hour.
How do I transfer from one service to another?
When boarding your first bus tell the driver you would like to transfer to another route. They will give you a transfer ticket. You must then show the second driver both your first ticket and transfer ticket.
School services
See Media release, 14 July 2010: Extra bus discounts on the way for students
Are school buses only for students?
No, any members of the public are able to use these services.
What are the route numbers?
- Waitara - Routes 21, 22, 23, 24
- Bell Block - Routes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
- Oakura - Routes 41, 42, 43, 44
What are the orbiters?
The orbiters are four buses (two travelling clockwise and two travelling anti-clockwise) that travel on a single route linking all New Plymouth secondary and intermediate schools. They provide a faster more direct service for students.
School multi-trip passes
Why introduce a multi-trip fare category?
The changes recognise the concerns raised by parents particularly from Oakura and Waitara about the child fare increases for these centres.
What are the main advantages of a multi-trip pass?
- An additional 20% fare reduction for children travelling from Waitara and Oakura.
- An additional 10% fare reduction for children travelling from Bell Block, Omata or within New Plymouth.
What do multi-trip passes cost?
|
Zone |
Cost (40 trips) |
|
New Plymouth |
$58.00 |
|
Bell Block or Omata |
$68.40 |
|
Oakura |
$76.80 |
|
Waitara |
$89.60 |
How do the multi-trip fares compare to SmartCard single trip fares?
|
Zone |
SmartCard fare |
Multi-trip fare (per trip) |
Savings/trip |
|
New Plymouth |
$1.60 |
$1.45 |
$0.15 |
|
Bell Block or Omata |
$1.90 |
$1.71 |
$0.19 |
|
Oakura |
$2.40 |
$1.92 |
$0.48 |
|
Waitara |
$2.80 |
$2.24 |
$0.56 |
Fares include GST.
Will I still be able to use my existing SmartCard for multi-trip journeys?
Yes, your SmartCard will handle both types of transactions (single trips or multi-trips).
Does the multi-trip fare apply to other passenger categories?
No, the new fare is only available to children travelling to and from school. Tertiary and WITT students are not eligible.
How do I apply for a multi-trip pass?
Existing SmartCard holders do not have to apply. Simply pay the appropriate price and your card is updated automatically. If you do not have a SmartCard you will need to complete an application form and take it to Tranzit Coachlines (15 Sunley St, New Plymouth).
How do I get my SmartCard loaded for multi-trips?
Pay the appropriate fare and your bus driver or the staff at Tranzit Coachlines (15 Sunley Street, New Plymouth) can load your SmartCard for multi-trips.
If I pay more than the multi-trip fare, for example $100 instead $89.60 for the Waitara zone do I get additional trips at the same rate?
No, the multi-trip pass is programmed for 40 trips, so for Waitara the fare is $89.60 (GST inclusive).
What trip conditions need to be met to use multi-trips?
A multi-trip will be automatically deducted if the pass is usable on the route/zone, the pass has not expired and there is still at least one unused multi-trip available.
Will my multi-trip pass expire?
The available balance of multi-trips on your SmartCard will remain usable for one year from the date of last use before becoming invalid. Your SmartCard does not expire and can be used for life.
Which fare will be deducted from my SmartCard?
The card reader will automatically deduct one multi-trip when the SmartCard is placed on the card reader and meets the above conditions.
Do I have to keep a single trip balance over and above the multi-trips?
No, you have the choice of using the Smart Card for either single trips or multi-trips or both on your SmartCard. Both options operate separately.
What happens if I'm not travelling from or to my zone, for example I'm a Waitara student and want to travel to Puke Ariki after school before returning to Waitara?
You will have the option of paying either cash ($2.00) or using your SmartCard ($1.60) if it has a single trip balance available. Your trip to back Waitara would qualify as a multi-trip.
How many multi-trips can be loaded on my card?
A maximum of 80 multi-trips can be loaded onto your card - that is, two 40-trip passes.
Why do I have to take my ticket?
Keep your ticket as proof of purchase. Also, if paying by SmartCard, it will provide you with the balance of money left on your card and the number of multi-trips left. You may be asked to provide it by Taranaki Regional Council or Tranzit Coachlines staff, or any other authorized person.
Can I pay for my friend or sibling with my SmartCard by multi-trip pass?
No, each child must have their own SmartCard programmed for multi-trips. Multiple passengers cannot use the one SmartCard multi-trip pass.
Can I hand my SmartCard to my friend or sibling once I've used it?
No, the programming does not allow a SmartCard to be used again within a certain time period. Again, each child must have their own card when using it as a multi-trip pass.
Do I still require a transfer ticket if I want to continue my journey on another service?
Yes, a free transfer ticket is required for passengers who wish to transfer directly from one route to another within the hour.
If I move from one zone to another, will I need a new SmartCard?
No, your card can simply be changed to the new fare zone once all the trips for the current zone have been used.
If I move zones, can I get a credit on my unused multi-trips
Yes, under the following circumstances.
• The value of the remaining multi-trips is greater than $10.
• Proof of change of address is provided.
• The credit is placed back on the SmartCard (no cash refunds).
• The credit is placed on the SmartCard as single trips.
• The value of the trips is rounded down to the nearest $10.00.
What happens if my SmartCard is lost or stolen?
The card holder is responsible for the safety and security of their CityLink SmartCard. The single trip value and/or the value of the multi-trip pass of any lost or stolen are non-refundable except at the discretion of the Taranaki Regional Council. If a card is lost or stolen while at school it should be reported to the appropriate school authority.
If I damage my SmartCard, can I get a replacement?
Yes, but card holders are responsible for the care of their CityLink SmartCard. Any card that has been damaged or is not accepted by the card reader device will incur a $10 replacement fee.
Do I get my money back from a damaged card?
No, the available credit on a SmartCard is not transferrable and is non-refundable except at the discretion of the Taranaki Regional Council.
Where do I go if I want further information?
Please use this website's feedback form or call 0800 87 22 87 if you need further information.