Changes coming to Connect bus services from 19 January

Horizons Regional Council manager transport services Mark Read says this is the first phase of a stepped plan to increase fare revenue, to meet new policy requirements. 

“From 19 January 2026, fares will increase by 10%. A further 15% increase will take place in phase two, in the 2026/27 financial year.”

Mr Read says the 25% increase is a response to a national directive from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

“The directive was made to all New Zealand public transport authorities through the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024-34, with the expectation of increasing our private share revenue.

“This change will bring our fares in line with government expectations along with our own funding policy.”

Mr Read says it is a coincidence this change is happening at the same time as adjustments to the Feilding bus service and changes are planned to Whanganui services.

“We’re adjusting fare pricing to meet NZTA requirements, not as a result of recent or upcoming network changes. This means our fare zones, transfers between services and users who currently ride fare-free will all remain unchanged.

“Also from 19 January, the first of two phases of changes are coming to Feilding bus routes,” says Mr Read.

“We asked Manawatū communities what they wanted from their bus services through our Moving Manawatū consultation in 2024.

“Using valuable community feedback, we have reviewed the two services – the Orbiter and the Commuter - and will be introducing changes to both.

“Phase one of these changes will mean the Commuter service will run along Grey St in Palmerston North instead of along Featherston St, and will no longer stop at the airport terminal bus stop. 

“These changes will make it quicker and easier to connect to key centres within and beyond Feilding township and Palmerston North. 

“Further changes to Feilding services will come later in 2026 as part of the second phase of this work. More information about these changes and the work phases can be found on the Horizons website at https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport.”

Mr Read says Horizons acknowledges fare increases, especially in relation with cost of living pressures, will impact households.

“This is why we’ve chosen to implement this change in a stepped manner, instead of increasing fares fully in one go. 

“One of our strategic priorities listed in our Long-term Plan is to connect people and place through effective public transport connections, and we are committed to maintaining this.

“We’ve worked hard to achieve a middle ground where we’re meeting the expectation set through this directive, while still delivering an affordable, quality service to our customer.” 

People who usually pay cash fares can save money by getting a Bee Card and using that to pay for bus trips, says Mr Read.

“Bee Card fares are cheaper than cash fares. Using a Bee Card also enables people to access fare capping, where they only have to pay for a certain number of trips each week before the rest of their trips are free.”

For more information about the fare changes, visit our website here: https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport/fares-information