A new ‘tag on, tag off’ card-based ticketing system is on its way for Taranaki’s Citylink and Connector bus services, and passengers can act now to ensure they reap all its advantages. The new Bee Card is now available online at www.beecard.co.nz and comes into use on 19 October. “Besides the ease and speediness of tagging on and tagging off, Bee Cards offer other advantages that we know passengers will appreciate,” says Chris Clarke, Transport Services Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council. Taranaki bus passengers can look forward to these Bee Card features: Online balance checks and top-ups, including auto top-ups.
Online access to transaction history.
Online cancellation of lost or stolen cards to protect balances.
Online management of multiple cards (for an entire family, for example).
Online application of child and SuperGold Card concessions.
The Bee Card can also be used on bus services in other non-metropolitan regions. “It’s a good idea to get in now and get set up,” says Chris. “The quickest and easiest way is to do it all online at www.beecard.co.nz. The Bee Card will be available at local outlets but you’ll still need to go online to register it.” The cards will be free for a limited time, but passengers need to top up a minimum of $5 to get started. “It’s also important to note that SuperGold Card holders and WITT students will need to get a Bee Card to continue to ride for free,” says Chris. The Bee Cards will replace the existing Citylink and Connector smart cards, and passengers are encouraged to use up existing balances before the switch-over. Chris says the transition will be eased by: Free fares from 5 to 17 October for those whose smart card balances have run out.
The ability to transfer outstanding smart card balances to Bee Cards from 19 to 31 October.
The Bee Card will not be needed for Southlink bus services. Nor will it be needed by Connector passengers whose travel is booked through the Taranaki District Health Board. COVID-19: Any return to Alert Levels 3 or 4 may delay or otherwise disrupt the Taranaki roll-out of Bee Card.
With gift-buying season hitting its peak, Taranaki people and their families can take advantage of extra Saturday bus services if they need to hit the shops. Nine New Plymouth Citylink services, including Bell Block/Waitara, and the Connector service linking Opunake, Hāwera, Stratford, Inglewood and New Plymouth, will run on the three remaining Saturdays before Christmas. Timetable and route details are at www.taranakibus.info. “Town gets very busy at this time of year but by getting the bus, at least you don’t have to face the stress of traffic and parking,” says Chris Clarke, Transport Services
Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council which provides the Citylink and Connector services through its contractors Tranzit Coachlines and Pickering Motors. He says it’s an ideal option, particularly for families. “We’re pleased to be able to offer these services in the run-up to Christmas, as part of the Council’s focus on improving lifestyles in Taranaki,” says Chris. “If these services are well supported, we will be able to offer them in future years. It’s a case of use it or lose it.” Related links Saturday bus services December 2018
need to reduce their impact on the environment, and one bus carrying 30 people has far less impact than 30 cars carrying one person each,” says Chris Clarke, Transport Services Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council, which provides Citylink, Connector and Southlink services through its contractors. “So here’s a chance to give the buses a go. It’s also an ideal opportunity to reward our regular passengers for their support and encourage them to bring friends and family along for the ride.” To
Taranaki public transport users are in for a treat, with free bus travel on 21 and 22 September to mark World Car-Free Day. “It’s an ideal opportunity to reward our regular passengers and to encourage more people to give the buses a go,” says Chris Clarke, Passenger Services Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council which organises and funds the region’s Citylink, Connector and Southlink services. Car-Free Day is celebrated every September 22, when people are encouraged to get around by public
services being replaced. “We appreciate the service and professionalism provided by Weir Bros,” says Chris. “The only reason for changing the operator is that Pickerings are based in Opunake, so we can achieve greater financial and environmental efficiencies on behalf of ratepayers.” Weir Bros will continue to operate the Waverley-Hāwera services on Fridays. The new route arrangements will apply from the first week in December. Timetables and route maps will be available on buses before and following
Waitara’s weekly ‘taxi day’ is proving popular with townsfolk, particularly those who are unable to use buses and have no other way to go shopping or get to medical appointments. New Plymouth Taxis has a car in the town from 9am to 3pm on Thursdays, under a trial coordinated by the Taranaki Regional Council. The trial’s been running 30 weeks, with more than 400 trips made so far and patronage growing by 60%. Regular passenger Pauline Hunt is grateful for the service and praises the New Plymouth
situation
All Connector service patrons must comply with the Code of Conduct. Passengers failing to comply may be issued a verbal warning, be restricted to an allocated seat or suspended from using the service. Serious misconduct may result in legal action. If you are not happy with the service or have any questions, please contact the Pickering Motors office on 0800 22 11 20 or the Taranaki Regional Council on 0800 736 222. Also see information about security cameras on buses Follow us for news and
strategy’s development and the lack of alignment between different sections of it, its focus on roading with little consideration of urban planning, and its disregard of the practical difficulties involved in a large-scale move to rail and coastal shipping for freight haulage. The Council submission also asks whether moving to zero-emission bus fleets is the wisest use of funds given that buses make up just 1% of transport emissions. Separately, the Council has also submitted on the Infrastructure
public transport accessibility
and equity
Improve customer experience of the
public transport system
Improve environmental and economic
performance
Deliver affordable and value for
money services
Manage service improvements
optimally
Active travel - walking & wheeling
Improve personal safety
Deliver high quality networks
Improve physical and mental health
Support economic development
through tourism
page
Make timetables more regular
and easier to understand.
Ensure buses run
public transport accessibility
and equity
Improve customer experience of the
public transport system
Improve environmental and economic
performance
Deliver affordable and value for
money services
Manage service improvements
optimally
Active travel - walking & wheeling
Improve personal safety
Deliver high quality networks
Improve physical and mental health
Support economic development
through tourism
page
Make timetables more regular
and easier to understand.
Ensure buses run