Why worry about parking, petrol or traffic when the bus is free? On Monday 22 September 2025, Taranaki residents are invited to celebrate World Car Free Day by leaving the car at home and hopping on board.

World Car Free Day is celebrated in more than 2,000 cities across the globe. It’s all about encouraging people to try more sustainable ways of getting around like cycling, walking or catching the bus, to help create a cleaner and healthier future.
This year, all Citylink, Connector and Southlink services will be free all day. Plus, Bee Cards (normally $5) will be free from participating Taranaki retailers while stocks last.
Taranaki Regional Council Transport Engagement Manager Cheryl Gazley says it’s a great chance for people to try the bus or enjoy a free ride if they’re already regular users.
“This is our way of saying thanks to the people who use the bus every day and an invitation to anyone who hasn’t tried it before. Buses are a simple, hassle-free way to get around, and this is the perfect time to give it a go,” she says.
The timing also lines up with the first week of the school holidays, making it a great opportunity for whānau to get out and explore.
“We’d love to see families using the free buses to go on a local adventure, maybe somewhere they haven’t been before. Hop on board, sit back and enjoy the ride,” says Ms Gazley.
“You don’t need a Bee Card or cash fare, just turn up, get on and see where the bus can take you.”
Each day, more than 3,000 people across the region use public transport.
World Car Free Day is a chance to think differently about how we travel. Choosing public transport, walking or cycling helps reduce traffic, cut down emissions and create a more sustainable future for Taranaki.
To find bus timetables or see where to pick up a free Bee Card, visit: https://www.trc.govt.nz/buses-transport(external link)
Taranaki Bee Card retailers:
- New Plymouth i-SITE located within the Puke Ariki building on St Aubyn Street, New Plymouth | 10am-5pm daily
- Tranzit at 15 Sunley Street, Westown | 8am-5pm Monday to Friday
- Bell Block Library at 88 Parklands Avenue | 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9am-6pm Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-12pm Saturday
- Waitara Library at 15 Queen Street | 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday,9am-6pm Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-12pm Saturday
- Stratford i-SITE inside the Stratford Library in Prospero Place | 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturdays
- South Taranaki i-SITE at 121 High Street, Hawera | 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm weekends
- Ōpunake LibraryPlus at 43 Tasman Street, Ōpunake | 9am-5pm Monday - Friday & 9am-12.30pm Saturday
*Only while stocks last, limited number available. One per person.