This page deals with frequently asked questions about Citylink commuter and school bus services in New Plymouth, Bell Block Waitara and Oakura.
If you have other queries, please use the feedback form.
General queries
How do Citylink 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 |
Adult fare |
|
Moturoa |
6.05 |
$3.58 |
$2.60 |
|
Whalers Gate |
6.35 |
$3.76 |
$2.60 |
|
Lynmouth/Marfell |
5.07 |
$3.37 |
$2.60 |
|
Westown/Hurdon |
5.50 |
$3.26 |
$2.60 |
|
Frankleigh Park |
6.40 |
$3.79 |
$2.60 |
|
Vogeltown/Brooklands |
5.20 |
$3.08 |
$2.60 |
|
Welbourn |
5.30 |
$3.14 |
$2.60 |
|
Merrilands/Highlands Park |
7.20 |
$4.26 |
$2.60 |
|
Fitzroy/The Valley |
5.25 |
$3.11 |
$2.60 |
|
Bell Block |
8.10 |
$4.80 |
$3.00 |
|
Oakura |
14.30 |
$8.47 |
$3.70 |
|
Waitara |
17.30 |
$10.24 |
$4.50 |
| 2010 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 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.
Where does each fare zone start and finish?
- New Plymouth: New Plymouth from the 100 km/h sign on South Road (west of NP) through along Devon Road (SH3) north up to and including Egmont Road. South to the corner of SH3 and Mangorei Road.
- Omata: Omata village from (but excluding) Plymouth Road along SH45 to (including Beach Road) to the 50km/h signs entering New Plymouth.
- Oakura: Oakura township, from and including Wairau Rd, along SH45 through to and including Plymouth Road.
- Bell Block: Bell Block township from (but excluding) Egmont Road along Devon Road (SH3), along Devon Road through to and including Mountain Road.
- Waitara: Waitara township from (but excluding) Mountain Road through Brixton, to the corner Main North Road and Bayly Street. South along Princess St to and including Rahiri Street.
What are the numbered points in the timetable?
These are timed waypoints 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.
Which services call at The Valley?
Route 9 (Fitzroy/The Valley/Glen Avon) includes The Valley Mega Centre, 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.
Which service calls at Taranaki Base Hospital?
Route 3 (Lynmouth-Marfell) calls twice at Taranaki Base Hospital on its circular run. Bus stops are at the main entrance and the outpatients' department. Route 3's Bus Station departure point is Bay D, in King St behind the Puke Ariki library building.
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.
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.
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 at 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.
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.
SmartCard terms and conditions
SmartCard application form (43 KB)
Transfers
What are transfer tickets?
Passengers who wish to transfer directly from one route to another within the hour can use a free transfer ticket.
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
What is expected of me when using the bus?
All riders are required to comply with a code of conduct. Code of conduct.
Are school buses only for students?
No, any members of the public are able to use these services.
School multi-trip passes
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.
Can I still 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, it is available only 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.