Horizons Regional Council is proud to introduce their new passenger transport brand, Connect. Over the next few years passenger transport in this region will see significant changes and improvements, that starts by creating a clear brand for our communities to connect with and ensuring key information is simple and accessible.
 

Stay up to date with Connect - Horizons Regional Transport! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Whanganui bus network review

We've developed three proposed options for improvements to the Whanganui urban bus network and we're asking the community to share their thoughts on them between 31 March and 1 May 2025.
 
We're looking at how we can improve routes, schedules and services to better connect the community and support the city's growth. Each of the three options takes a slightly different approach to improvements, but we've designed all three to bring about significant and positive changes for Whanganui.

We're also currently consulting with the community on our 2025-26 Annual Plan, which includes a question on funding for public transport improvements in Whanganui and Horowhenua. If you're keen to have your say on the proposed Whanganui network options, it's essential to share your thoughts on both the review AND the Annual Plan, as two of the three options require the approval of extra investment through the Annual Plan process.
 

We provide public passenger transport services and coordinate regional transport planning:

• Chair the Regional Transport and Regional Passenger Transport Committees,
• Develop and implement the region's Public Transport Plan,
• Subsidise passenger services in areas where they cannot be provided commercially,
• Coordinate a community road safety programme,
• Manage the Total Mobility service that provides discounted transport for people with disabilities.

Considering our geographical size and low population density, our region is relatively well served by public transport and our buses carry a higher ratio of passengers per head of population than some other similar regions.

The long-term vision

• Provide a land transport system that is environmentally sound, safe, efficient, sustainable and accessible
• Accessibility of public transport includes being financially affordable, so we subsidise public transport for the elderly, students and beneficiaries.

 

Bee Card

Bee Card is our electronic bus card, and is the best way to pay for public transport in the Horizons Region. It is faster, more convenient and provides cheaper fares than if you pay in cash.

To get a Bee Card, you can order one online at beecard.co.nz, purchase one on board from the bus driver (cash only), visit the Whanganui or Palmerston North iSite, or visit the Whanganui or Palmerston North Horizons Regional Council office. You'll then need to register your card on the Bee Card website.

Bee Cards cost $5 to purchase, with a minimum $5 top up upon purchase. You can top up your card any time on the Bee Card website, or by popping in to one of the Horizons Regional Council offices listed above.
 

Bee Card changes 

The Bee Card scheme is set to end in the Horizons Region when we switch to Motu Move, a new payment and ticketing solution rolling out across Aotearoa New Zealand over the next two years. Currently, our region is scheduled to switch to Motu Move in late-2025

Head here to learn more about the changes and what benefits they will bring.
 

Fare structure

As of 1 January 2024, there will be a zone structure instead of different prices for each service. Fares are calculated by the number of zones you travel in.

There will also be fare capping, so your public transport spend is capped each week as long as you use a Bee Card to pay. The more you travel, the more free trips you get.

Click here to learn more about the fare structure and how fare capping works.

 

Real-time tracking

Most Horizons Regional bus services now have real-time tracking. This means you can find out how far away the bus is from your stop.

Click here to try it out today. 




Connect is now providing the Transit app for residents within the Horizons Region. The Transit app makes it easier to plan your journey, track where your bus is, and even use GO, the additional feature that helps you along your journey.
 
Download the Transit app free from the App Store or Google Play for your phone
 
Click here more information on how to use the Transit app.
 

Code of Conduct

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience when they ride with us. That's why we have developed a code of conduct for our passenger transport services that outlines our expectations for all passengers. We ask that you treat our drivers and other passengers with respect and follow all safety guidelines. Additionally, we do not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or violence. Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in the loss of your right to use our bus services. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful community on board.

Read the Code of Conduct here.
 

Pets on buses policy and guidelines

Pets are allowed to travel on Connect urban bus services, provided they meet the following criteria: 

• Dogs must be secured on a lead and be wearing a cage-style muzzle, or be secured in a suitable pet carrier. 
• Small pets must be secured in a suitable pet carrier. 
• Pet carriers need to be securely placed within the luggage storage or on their caregivers lap - pets are not permitted on seats. 

 
The bus driver has the authority to refuse entry or remove pets and passengers if they believe they are a nuisance or a health and safety risk to themselves and/or passengers.


Read the full policy and guidelines here.