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Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP)

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for the planning, management and provision of public transport in the region. The RPTP sets out the priorities and needs of public transport services and infrastructure.

Read the RPTP

Public transport schemes and services

Select a topic below to learn more about our regional transport service options and how they can work for you.  

Bus services

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for contracting and providing bus services in Hamilton city and for some of the region's communities. You can find information on timetables and our bus services on the BUSIT website.

Passenger rail

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for the Waikato to Auckland passenger rail service, Te Huia, which began in 2021. You can find information on train timetables and services on the Te Huia website.

Total Mobility

Total Mobility is a door to door national transport scheme involving disability support agencies, taxi companies and local government. The scheme is designed to increase the mobility of people with disabilities, to allow equitable access to the community. Find out more on the Total Mobility website.

Community Transport

Community transport is typically volunteer-led and funded by koha (donations), with an aim to improve accessibility and mobility for residents, particularly in rural areas. These services can provide essential transport for health and social purposes, although availability and types of transport may vary by location. Discover more about community transport options on the Waikato Community Transport website.

Some notes about fares and concessions

  • Public transport fares in Waikato region use a standardized zone system - simply pay for the zones you travel through. The best fares are available with a Bee Card.
  • If you're eligible for a concession, please apply prior to travel. You can read more about concessions on the BUSIT and Te Huia websites.

What's going on?

Public transport fuel updates

Every fortnight, updates will be published on the current fuel environment and its impacts on public transport service delivery

Public transport rate changes in 2025/26

We've proposed a rating model that acknowledges different levels of access to a range of community and public transport services throughout the region. Learn more about the model, including what you'll pay based on where you live.

Transport committes and subcommittees

Councillors and committee members meet regularly to discuss transport matters. You can read meeting agendas and minutes, and watch videos of the meetings.

National Ticketing Solution | Motu Move

A new national ticketing and payment system is coming that will provide easy, consistent ways to pay for buses, trains and ferries across the country. It will bring the option to pay by contactless debit or credit cards, smartphones and watches, or a prepaid Motu Move card. You'll find the latest information on the Motu Move website.

Public transport performance monitoring reports

Public transport service operator forms

Service registration and service change notification

If you are operating any type of passenger transport operation either in, or passing through the Waikato region, you must register your service with Waikato Regional Council.  You will also need to advise of any changes to a registered service including the intention to withdraw it.

The application or notification must be received no less than 15 days before the service starts or the change occurs.  There is no cost to register or notify changes to a service.

The relevant forms are available, below.