The Accessibility Concession provides free public transport across the Bay of Plenty for anyone who is permanently unable to drive and meets the eligibility criteria. Bay of Plenty Regional Council is excited to provide this service and more travel options to members of our community across the region.
- It is 100 per cent a free fare, seven days a week on all contracted Bay of Plenty Regional Council bus services throughout the region.
- It is automatically loaded onto a Bee Card in the form of a red sticker and the passenger will need to tag-on and tag-off the bus.
- You must have your Bee Card loaded with your Accessibility Concession with you to tag-on and tag-off the bus, otherwise, you cannot travel for free.
- Please respect our drivers and continue to pay a fare until you receive your card. You cannot travel for free until you have received your Bee Card loaded with the Accessibility Concession.
How do I qualify for the Accessibility Concession?
Free travel by public transport is available to people who have an impairment that permanently prevents them from driving a private motor vehicle or, will be unable to drive once of legal driving age. This impairment could be physical, intellectual, psychological, sensory or neurological.
- You do not need to be an existing Total Mobility member in order to qualify. You will however need to be assessed by one of our approved assessing agencies.
What is the Accessibility +1 Concession?
Accessibility Concession members who are assessed as being unable to travel independently by bus may also receive free transport for their companion.
Their concession will include ‘+1’ companion travel. The Accessibility +1 Concession is a sticker that is added to the Accessibility Concession holder’s Bee Card (the companion does not need their own Bee Card to travel). Please show the bus driver the +1 sticker on your card when you get on to the bus.
What do I have to do to get the free travel?
There is an application process for the concession, including an eligibility assessment to be undertaken by an approved assessor - the list of approved assessors is available here.
Is there an age limit?
Anyone of any age can apply for the Accessibility Concession.
What times of the day do I receive the free travel?
You receive free travel any time of the day, every day of the week.
I can’t drive temporarily can I get the free travel?
No, the Accessibility Concession is only available to people who are permanently unable to drive.
How do the buses cater for Accessibility Concession holders?
Most of our buses can kneel on request and the driver can lay out a ramp so it’s easier to get on and off the bus. Please request the driver to assist you.
If you are a wheelchair user, you will have priority seating in the wheelchair bays on our buses. Certified assistance dogs, canes and other mobility aids are most welcome on our bus services. Accessibility Concession holders may also request a seat close to the bus driver. Please note that our buses are unable to accommodate mobility scooters.
The accessibility concession can be used on all buses and routes provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. However, even though the majority of our fleet are fully accessible vehicles, not all vehicles are. You can contact us on 0800 4 229 287 (0800 4 BAY BUS) if you have any concerns or queries.
Do I have to renew it?
Yes, the concession is required to be renewed every three years. You will be contacted prior to the expiry to advise of the next steps.
How much will an eligibility assessment cost me?
The assessment cost is decided by the assessing agency please check with them, most assessing agencies do not charge a fee for the assessment, however some agencies assessments are around $30-$40 per person.
You can contact us on 0800 4 229 287 (0800 4 BAY BUS) or by email at support@baybus.zendesk.com or ac.admin@boprc.govt.nz