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Paying for your bus trip

Paying for your bus trip is easy with Te Pahi. Use a Bee Card loaded with credit or pay with cash. If you’re eligible for a concession, you may travel for a discounted price with a registered Bee Card - just remember to tag on and off.

Bee Card

Bee Cards are a pre-paid smartcard used to pay for your journey. By using a Bee Card, you will get cheaper fares. There are also some concessions that are only valid with a Bee Card, and others that are cheaper and easier with it.

Taranaki is one of several regions around the country which uses Bee Cards. Find out more about Bee Cards.

Tagging on and off

Simply tag on when you board the bus by holding your card against the card reader (located on the pole on the right as you board, or else on top of the unit to the left of the driver). Wait for the beep and green light before taking a seat. When you reach your destination, do the same to tag off. The cost of the fare and the card balance will be displayed on the card reader when you tag off.

Cash

You can pay for your fare by cash, but we recommend using a Bee Card as most concessions are only available with a Bee Card and you pay the lesser fare. If using cash, we recommend having the correct amount and avoid paying with large notes. Our drivers only carry a small amount of change.

Fares and concessions

Our bus fares and concessions page has full details about the different types of fares and what the fares for the different routes are.

Frequently asked questions

Want to know the easiest way to pay for your bus trip? Check out these quick FAQs to learn how to use your Bee Card, pay with cash and get the right fare every time.

You can use a Bee Card or cash. Bee Cards are pre-loaded with credit and give cheaper fares, while cash works too - but having the exact change is best.

A Bee Card is a pre-paid smartcard used to pay for bus trips. It’s faster, cheaper and needed if you want concessions like half-price or free trips.

Hold your Bee Card against the reader when boarding (on the pole by the front door or to the left of the driver). Wait for the beep and green light, then take a seat. 

When you get off, hold your Bee Card against the reader. The card reader will show your fare and remaining balance. 

Yes, but we recommend using a Bee Card. Many concessions only work with a Bee Card and you’ll pay the cheaper fare. If paying cash, please have the correct amount and avoid large notes. 

Some passengers qualify for concessions. Make sure to use a registered Bee Card that is loaded with your concession before travelling. The fare will be applied automatically when you tag off.  

Visit the Fares and Concessions page for full details of fares, fare zones and available discounts.  

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