Skip to main content

What you can take on the bus

Know what to bring on your bus trip. From luggage limits to safety rules, make sure your journey across Taranaki is smooth, safe and comfortable for you and others on board Te Pahi.

Please be considerate of other passengers. Large backpacks, sport equipment, grocery bags and market trolleys should be held on your lap, at your feet, or in the storage rack, not on a seat. We ask that standing passengers with large backpacks place them in baggage storage areas or at their feet to prevent accidentally bumping into other passengers.

Items must not block any emergency exits or other passengers' access on or off the vehicle or movement inside the vehicle. Luggage must be secured by the owner, whether in a luggage storage area or by holding onto it while travelling.

For safety reasons, drivers and staff are not required to assist customers with bags, large items or prams. You must follow instructions given by staff in relation to items brought onto a vehicle. 

We are not liable for loss or damage to your luggage or any other property you wish to travel with.

What you can't take on the bus

You must not carry onto our buses or pack in any luggage any dangerous articles, including but not limited to weapons, compression gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids and solids, radioactive materials, oxidising materials, poisons and infectious substances.

We do not carry unaccompanied luggage.

Staff may refuse to carry an item if the available space for luggage is already full, or if they believe it to be:

  • Excessively large
  • Hazardous or otherwise likely to cause injury to anyone or damage to any property
  • Due to its nature or condition, likely to cause offence or discomfort to another passenger

For the safety and comfort of others, please do not:

  • Eat, chew gum, smoke or vape on the bus.
  • Drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages; this contravenes the Transport Act.
  • Take an animal on the bus unless it is a service dog.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure what you can bring on the bus? No problem – we’ve got you covered! Check out these handy FAQs to help you travel safely and comfortably with your belongings on Te Pahi.

For everyone’s safety, some items can’t come on board - like anything dangerous, flammable, or likely to cause harm. 

We ask that you don’t eat or drink on the bus, so we can keep things clean and comfortable for everyone on board.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring bags and small items, as long as there’s space and they don’t get in the way of others. 

We just ask that items aren’t too large or bulky. If space is limited, the driver may need to say no to keep everyone safe and comfortable. 

Of course - just keep them on your lap, at your feet, or in the storage area. Please avoid placing them on seats so others can sit too.

Keep your items close and secure - on your lap, at your feet, or in the luggage rack - and make sure aisles and exits stay clear. 

You can, as long as there’s space. You’ll just need to manage it yourself, as drivers aren’t required to assist with larger items.

No, all luggage needs to travel with you - we don’t carry unaccompanied items. 

If the bus is full, the driver may ask you to wait for the next service so everyone can travel safely and comfortably.

You are responsible for your items, so please keep them safe and secure throughout your journey. 

Some buses have bike racks available. If you’re planning to bring a bike, check the Bikes on buses page for details on how it works and what to expect. 

Yes, scooters and e-scooters are welcome on board if they’re folded down and can be stored safely without blocking aisles or seats. 

You can bring an e-bike on buses that have bike racks. All New Plymouth urban buses have bike racks, but regional buses don’t, so plan ahead. Make sure your e-bike meets the size and weight limits for safe travel. 

Wheelchairs are welcome on board, and our New Plymouth urban buses are designed to be accessible with low floors and ramps. There is also one accessible bus on the 101 route. Unfortunately, mobility scooters can’t be carried on our buses. 

Mobility scooters are generally too large or heavy to fit safely in the allocated space, which can affect access and safety for other passengers. 

You might also like

  • Bikes on buses
    Travelling with your bike? Discover Te Pahi’s bike rack rules, eBike limits and safety tips to make your bus journey across Taranaki easy, safe and hassle-free.
  • Behaviour on the bus
    Everyone’s journey on Te Pahi should be friendly, safe and inclusive. Please take responsibility for your behaviour, respect others and enjoy a smooth bus trip across Taranaki.
  • Accessible transport
    Te Pahi supports accessible travel for all. Discover wheelchair-friendly buses, service dog guidance and Total Mobility services to ensure your bus journey across Taranaki is safe, comfortable and stress-free.