Cheaper bus travel for Nelson-Tasman as new zone system is introduced

From Monday 3 August, many bus passengers in our region will benefit from cheaper bus fares due to changes to the public transport zone system, with some people saving up to $1.20 per journey.

Previously, bus fares in Nelson-Tasman were based on a four-zone system. Zone One ended at Boundary Road in Bishopdale, Zone Two ended at Quarantine Road in Stoke, Zone Three ended at Saxton Road in Stoke and Zone Four covered Richmond.

The new zoning system extends Zone One all the way to Hayes Corner where Main Road Stoke meets Waimea Road and Annesbrook Drive, Zone Two to Main Road Stoke just north of Elm Street, and Zone Three to Richmond including the Richmond loop services.

This means that passengers can travel from Atawhai to Hayes Corner for just $2 with a Bee Card (or $2.50 if you pay cash), a trip that would previously have cost $3.

Passengers going from Richmond to Nelson using a Bee Card will pay $2.80 (or $3.50 if you pay cash), instead of $4 under the old zoning system.

All feeder loops like the Stoke loop are now considered part of the zone they sit within and passengers have one hour to transfer between services without incurring an extra fare.

The new zones not only make bus travel in Nelson-Tasman significantly cheaper for many passengers but also make the system clearer for users.

Fare categories have also been simplified. One concessionary fare now applies to children (5-18), students, and holders of SuperGold and Community Services cards. Children under five travel free and off-peak SuperGold travel will still be free when using a Bee Card.

Infrastructure Chair Councillor Brian McGurk says simplifying the zone system and making fares cheaper is a core part of Council’s strategy to encourage a more sustainable transport culture in Nelson.

“The new zones will make bus travel cheaper for many people, especially those coming into Nelson from Richmond to work. Coupled with the new Bee Card, public transport in Nelson will be easier to access for everyone and we hope more people will take advantage of the great public transport system we have here.”

Bee Card, the Nelson-Tasman region’s new electronic bus card, also launches on 3 August. Cards are available now at BeeCard.co.nz or our Bee Card retail outlets: Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council customer service centres, public libraries in Nelson, Stoke and Richmond and the Nelson bus depot on Bridge Street.

For more information about Bee Card, how to register an account and load up money go to: http://www.nelson.govt.nz/services/transport/nbus/beecard-faqs/.