Bay of Plenty Regional Council Approves Bus Fare Increase

Urban bus fares in the Bay of Plenty will see their first increase since 2018, effective from January 2024. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council approved a fare hike of 10% during its final meeting of the triennium on Thursday. This decision affects all urban bus services across the region, with the exception of long-distance routes.

Passengers will now face an increase of up to 40 cents per trip. The fare adjustment is part of the council’s efforts to address rising operational costs and to maintain the quality of public transport services in the area.

Impact of Fare Increase on Passengers

The fare increase is expected to influence a broad range of commuters, including students, workers, and tourists who rely on public transport for their daily journeys. According to the council, the adjustment aims to ensure the sustainability of bus services amid increasing inflation and operational expenses.

Council officials highlighted the need for this fare revision to continue providing reliable transport options. As highlighted by Chairman Doug Leeder, “This decision was not made lightly, but it is essential for keeping our public transport system operating effectively.” The council has indicated that it will continue to monitor service levels and fare structures to balance affordability with quality.

Public Reaction and Future Considerations

Reactions to the fare increase have been mixed, with some passengers expressing concern about the financial impact on their daily commuting costs. Advocacy groups assert that while fare increases are sometimes necessary, they can disproportionately affect low-income residents and discourage the use of public transport.

In response to these concerns, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has committed to reviewing its fare policies regularly. The council aims to develop measures to support low-income users and ensure that public transport remains accessible to all.

As the changes take effect in January 2024, the council encourages passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and stay informed about the new fare structures. Regular updates will be provided through the council’s official channels to ensure transparency and communication around the fare adjustments.