The Council is asking people to give their views on zones for the Dunedin and Queenstown bus networks, as well as their thoughts on bus and ferry fare caps and the possibility of removing the ability to use cash to pay for fares. From 2027, bus and ferry users will be able to pay their fare with most contactless options when the national ticketing system, Motu Move, is introduced.

ORC’s Transport Portfolio Co-lead Cr Matt Hollyer says “From today we’re asking people how our proposed changes will affect them. Their feedback will provide meaningful insights to inform the decisions the Council needs to make.”

“A zone-based fare system would allow ORC to charge more for longer distance fares. By charging higher fares for longer distance travel, we have a system that better reflects the costs of running it, while still being accessible and affordable,” says Cr Hollyer.

At the moment, the adult bus fare with a Bee Card in Dunedin and Queenstown is $2.50, regardless of the distance travelled.

“We’ve had zones in the past and we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback on the shift to flat fares. The previous zone system was complex and costly, and we don’t want to go back to what we had. We’re keen to understand how the proposed system might impact people.”

ORC is asking for feedback on two options proposed for the Dunedin network and two for the Queenstown network. 

The first Dunedin option is to have four zones – with most of the Dunedin network in a single zone, then outer parts of the network, such as Waikouaiti/Palmerston, Hampden and Ōamaru, being in the second, third and fourth zones.  

The second Dunedin option is to have five zones – with Dunedin divided into a core and outer zone. The core zone is inner city suburbs, with areas such as Mosgiel, Portobello and Port Chalmers included in an outer Dunedin zone. There would be three additional zones to Waikouaiti/Palmerston, Hampden and Ōamaru. 

In Queenstown, the first option retains one zone for all the existing Queenstown network, including Arrowtown. This would be the same as the current structure. The second option is for two zones – with trips to Arrowtown being two zones.

The Council is also considering introducing fare capping.

“Travel costs can add up very quickly for people taking a lot of trips. Fare capping would be a way for us to reward regular bus and ferry users.”

“We are also asking people how they would be affected if we removed the ability to pay bus and ferry fares with cash.”

From mid-2027, Motu Move is being introduced, allowing fares to be paid using almost any NZ bank card, contactless debit or credit card, phone or smart watch, or a prepaid card. This is likely to significantly reduce the number of cash payments.

The survey closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 29 July 2026 and is available at www.orc.govt.nz/buszones  

Next steps

ORC will analyse feedback and consider relevant changes. A recommendation will be made to Council on these changes in September 2026, including when they would be introduced.