Council seeks feedback on the public transport fares policy

Waikato Regional Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of its public transport fares policy to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a changing policy, funding and operating environment. The policy also needs to be ready for the launch of the Motu Move national ticketing system in 2027.

Consultation opens at 9am on Thursday, 3 September 2026 and closes at 5pm on Monday, 5 October 2026. Feedback will inform decisions on proposed updates to fare policies in the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan 2022–2032.

The purpose of the public transport fares policy is to support a public transport system that is simple, affordable, accessible and financially sustainable.

Fare setting is not solely about determining how much passengers pay; it is about making deliberate choices regarding how the costs of providing public transport are shared, how affordability is maintained for those who most rely on the network, and how fares can support the continued growth of public transport use across the region. Regional Public Transport Subcommittee Chair Liz Stolwyk said the review was about making careful, balanced decisions for passengers, ratepayers and communities.

“We recognise that fares influence people's travel choices and that public transport delivers wider benefits to the region through improved access to employment, education, healthcare and social opportunities,” Cr Stolwyk said.

“The fare system should encourage public transport use wherever practical, while acknowledging the need to recover an appropriate share of operating costs and ensure the network remains financially sustainable for both passengers and funders.”

The proposed package retains key parts of the current system. Proposals include retaining accessibility and companion concessions, aligning SuperGold free bus travel with the national off-peak scheme, keeping adult fare caps, standardising youth fare caps across bus and rail, extending youth Te Huia fares to ages 5–18, and allowing annual fare reviews.

“This is about getting the balance right. We want a fare system people can understand, one that supports those who rely on public transport, and that can be maintained within available funding,” Cr Stolwyk said.

The council is also asking whether future changes to Hamilton’s inner fare zone could encourage more people to use the bus.

Read the proposed fare policy changes and complete the online survey at http://waikatoregion.govt.nz/rptp-fare-change before consultation closes at 5pm on Monday, 5 October 2026.