Free bus from today for children

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

All children aged 12 years and under will ride the bus for free from today.

The Government announced the initiative last month in an attempt to ease the cost-of-living pressure on families.

Gisborne District Council network technician Hanoa Morete says that from  June 30, yesterday, the temporary half-price fares would end, so it was good timing and a great initiative for many families.

“We have approximately 500 school students riding our Waka Kura buses each week, so this will benefit a lot of people.”

As part of the Government initiative, half-price fares will also be available for passengers under 25 as well as Community Service Card holders with a registered Bee Card.

“For anyone who has a Community Services card, Community Connect is a new concession starting 1 July, which gives half-price city bus fares with a registered Bee Card.”

SuperGold cardholders will continue to ride the city bus for free between 9am and 3pm.

“To receive the discounted fares, you will still need to tag on and tag off buses using your registered Bee Card.”

At a glance, the fares from July 1 are:

• Children 12 years and under: free

• Youth aged 13-18: $1 cash / $0.50 with a registered Bee Card

• Adults aged 19-24: $2.20 cash / $1 with a registered Bee Card

• Adults over 25: $2.20 cash / $2 with a registered Bee Card

• Adults with Community Connect concession: $1 with a registered Bee Card

• SuperGold card holders: Free travel between 9am and 3pm.