On board with Orbus 🚍
Welcome to the first Orbus passenger newsletter. Once or twice a month we'll be sharing news and information to keep you up to date on all things Orbus in Dunedin and Queenstown.
First things first, you're probably wondering about the Bee Card. By spring, you'll be tagging on and off Orbus using your new Bee Card, which will replace the GoCard.
Keep an eye out for lots of advertising to come that will get us ready for when we start using the Bee Card on buses in Dunedin and Queenstown.
Many people have asked about transferring credit. Click on the image with the GoCard and Bee Card to find the information you need.
In the meantime, we hope you are all enjoying the free buses 😎.
The Bee Card is a tag on tag off bus card that gives bus passengers cheaper fares in nine regions around New Zealand, including Otago.
The Bee Card will replace the GoCard and make catching the bus so much easier!
Get your card
From today, Tuesday 28 July, people in Otago will be able to order a free Bee Card online at www.beecard.co.nz.
Cards will be free through to the end of September, after which they will be $5 each.
We will also be handing out free cards on buses starting this week in Dunedin, at some retailers including the Otago Regional Council and at demo days.
Then you'll bee ready to start using your Bee Card on Orbus in Dunedin on September 1, and mid-September in Queenstown. Buses will remain free until then.
Tagging on and off will make your bus trip much quicker.
Online benefits
When you get your card, you should consider registering so you can enjoy benefits that include being able to:
- Top up online
- Set an automatic top up
- Load a concession onto your card
- View your balance
- Report a lost/stolen card
- Ensure kids always have credit
For more details go to www.orc.govt.nz/BeeCard.
Go to www.BeeCard.co.nz to get your free Bee Card. Top it up, transfer your credit, and then you'll bee ready to start using it on Orbus in September.
Feedback on the flat fare consultation
Thank you to the many hundreds of people who gave feedback on the proposed temporary flat fare consultation.
The survey broke ORC records for responses! It’s been great to see the community get so involved.
What’s next?
The next stage is to hear public submissions and put recommendations to the council ahead of the Bee Card launch.
Proposed fares:
- $2 with a Bee Card for all
- $1.50 with a Bee Card for youth (5–18 year olds)
- $3 cash fare (no Bee Card)
