Ask Phoebe: Use Hop on and off - it'll all add up

File photo / Chris Skelton

Many commuters who use NZ Bus transport services in Auckland are swapping their Go Rider cards for the new Hop smart cards. I would like to know how the new smart cards work. For example, how does the new system/technology know how much to charge the cardholder when he/she boards the bus and gets off at their stop? Also, will the all-day pass still be available on bus and ferry services? Cameron Carter, Auckland.

Hop cards cost $10 and you can load them up with e-money, or buy 10 trips, or use the balance on your Go Rider card. The number of retail outlets selling Hop cards is increasing, and they can be identified by the signs on the store.

The idea is that passengers use their cards to tag on the beginning of journeys without interacting with drivers. They then need to tag off at the end, so machines can record how far they have travelled and deduct the fare from the amount stored on the card.

The ability to use Hop cards as all-day bus passes and for all ferry trips is being introduced in phases, and all should be fully set up within 12 months.

For more information on My Hop cards, go to www.myhop.co.nz

We have recently had an inorganic rubbish collection in our neighbourhood. We were notified by the council about when we could start putting stuff out on the berm and when we could expect collection. However, while I was putting my few bits and pieces out, I saw vehicles stopping outside a neighbour's house and the occupants unloading rubbish on to their pile. Is this permitted? I am not sure, but I suspect these dumpers do not live locally. Hazel Jones, Balmoral.

It most certainly is not permitted, and the council is very keen to clamp down on illegal dumping. I remember that the leaflet supplied by the council stated this very clearly.

The leaflet also suggested that if you saw someone dumping rubbish illegally, you might care to write down a vehicle registration number (or take a photo) and send it to the council. Further action could then be taken.

We have recently moved to the Western Springs area, and I get a little confused about who has legal right of way at an intersection I pass by each day. I turn left off Tuarangi Rd to head west along Great North Rd, which has a give way sign. Vehicles travel down Bullock Track, and there are many vehicles turning right also to head west along Great North Rd. I notice from the other side of the road that they have a stop sign. So the question is, who has right of way, the left-turning traffic on a give-way sign, or the right-turning traffic with a stop sign? Brian Wilson, Western Springs.

The driver of a vehicle at the stop sign at the bottom of the Bullock Track must give way to all other traffic. If you are at a give way sign you must give way to all other vehicles except those at a stop sign.