Bee Card (payment card)
{{Short description|Public transport smartcard ticketing system in New Zealand}}
{{For|the English payment card |bee card (Manchester)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox electronic payment
| image = Physical Bee Card.png
| caption = Bee Card
| name = Bee Card
| location = Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Invercargill, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Taranaki, Waikato, Manawatū–Whanganui
| launched = {{Start date and age|2019|11|df=yes}}
| service_1 = Buses in 10 regions of New Zealand
| service_2 = Te Huia
| service_3 = Queenstown Ferries
| currency = NZD
| stored_value = Pay as you go
| maximum_credit = $299
| automatic_recharge = Auto Top Up (available for registered cards)
| sales_location_1 = Online
| sales_location_2 = Retail outlets
| technology_1 = MiFare DESFire EV1
| manager = Bee Card Regional Consortium
| homepage = {{URL|https://beecard.co.nz/}}
}}
The Bee Card is an electronic fare payment smart card that is used on bus services in ten regions of New Zealand, along with Queenstown Ferries and the Te Huia train service between Hamilton (Waikato) and Auckland. It is used as a tag-on tag-off card on buses, with paper tickets remaining available for use for each of the individual region's public transport network systems.
First launched in late 2019 in Northland, it has since expanded to regions including Manawatū–Whanganui, Invercargill, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, Hawke's Bay and Otago with Taranaki switching to the Bee Card in late 2020, ending the main rollout. Gisborne's GizzyBus was added to the system in 2022, along with Queenstown Ferries. It also replaced the separate pre-existing fare card systems that were used by individual regional councils such as the BUSIT card (Waikato) and the GoCard (Otago).
The Bee Card will be replaced by a national ticket system called Motu Move over a two-year period commencing 2025.{{cite news |title=National ticketing system set to replace Bee Cards |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/national-ticketing-system-set-replace-bee-cards |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131030831/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/national-ticketing-system-set-replace-bee-cards |archive-date=31 January 2025}}
Background
The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) is a proposed nationwide electronic public transport ticketing system, expected to be implemented by 2026.{{Cite web |title=National Ticketing Solution {{!}} Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/public-transport/national-ticketing-solution/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=www.nzta.govt.nz |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306023425/https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/public-transport/national-ticketing-solution/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=L |first=Matt |date=25 October 2022 |title=A new National Ticketing System |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2022/10/26/a-new-national-ticketing-system/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519220833/https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2022/10/26/a-new-national-ticketing-system/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=New national ticketing system for NZ |url=https://www.govtechreview.com.au/content/gov-transport/news/new-national-ticketing-system-for-nz-1589599476 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=www.govtechreview.com.au |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519220833/https://www.govtechreview.com.au/content/gov-transport/news/new-national-ticketing-system-for-nz-1589599476 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=One stop ticketing solution for public transport |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/one-stop-ticketing-solution-public-transport |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=The Beehive |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519220825/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/one-stop-ticketing-solution-public-transport |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=New system to let Kiwis pay for train, bus via phone, credit card |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/21/new-system-to-let-kiwis-pay-for-train-bus-via-phone-credit-card/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=1 News |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521061330/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/21/new-system-to-let-kiwis-pay-for-train-bus-via-phone-credit-card/ |url-status=live }} The Bee Card is an interim ticketing system to be used until the implementation of the nationwide system.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2022 |title=Bye-bye Bee Card – new ticket system launched |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/bye-bye-bee-card-new-ticket-system-launched |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521061329/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/bye-bye-bee-card-new-ticket-system-launched |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=22 October 2022 |title=Bee Card is not to be in 2–3 years |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/bee-card-not-be-2-3-years |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521061329/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/bee-card-not-be-2-3-years |url-status=live }}
In 2013, nine regional councils formed a “Regional Consortium” to represent their interests in public transport matters, which led to the creation of the Bee Card.{{Cite web |date=8 February 2016 |title=Partnering for a National Ticketing Programme |url=http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/council-reports/Report_PDFs/2016.50a1.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=28 April 2021 |website=Greater Wellington Regional Council |archive-date=14 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714081029/http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/council-reports/Report_PDFs/2016.50a1.pdf }}
In January 2025, the Otago Regional Council confirmed that Bee Cards would be phased out nationwide over a period of two years in favour of a national ticketing system called Motu Move. Motu Move is a partnership between the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and 13 public transport authorities.
Regional history
The card was gradually rolled out across ten regions of New Zealand from 2019 to 2022.
= Northland =
Whangārei was the first city to use Bee Card, starting on 20 November 2019.{{cite web |title=Bee Card is here! |url=https://citylinkwhangarei.co.nz/bee-card/ |publisher=Northland Regional Council |accessdate=28 April 2021 |archive-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122349/https://citylinkwhangarei.co.nz/bee-card/ |url-status=live }}
= Manawatū–Whanganui =
Whanganui was the second city to use Bee Card, starting on 9 December 2019.{{cite news|date=20 November 2019|title=New electronic card for Whanganui bus travellers|work=Whanganui Chronicle|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=97&objectid=12286421|accessdate=28 April 2021|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607072446/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=97&objectid=12286421|url-status=live}}
Other places in the Manawatū–Whanganui region (i.e. Palmerston North, Ashhurst, Feilding, Levin, and Marton) switched to the system between December 2019 and July 2020,{{cite web |title=Bee Card is nearly here! |url=https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport/bee-card |publisher=Horizons Region |accessdate=28 April 2021 |archive-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122348/https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport/bee-card |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Galuszka|first1=Jono|date=5 November 2019|title=New bus ticket system set to go live in December|work=Stuff|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/117175043/new-bus-ticket-system-set-to-go-live-in-december|accessdate=28 April 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122348/https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/117175043/new-bus-ticket-system-set-to-go-live-in-december|url-status=live}} as it was delayed over teething problems.{{cite news |last1=Galuszka |first1=Jono |title=Bee not ready to buzz for wider Manawatū bus users |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/118730296/bee-not-ready-to-buzz-for-wider-manawat-bus-users |accessdate=12 January 2020 |work=Stuff |date=12 January 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112011844/https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/118730296/bee-not-ready-to-buzz-for-wider-manawat-bus-users |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=27 May 2023 |title=Passengers to ride the buses with Bee Card from next week |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/manawatu-guardian/news/horizons-passengers-ride-the-buses-with-bee-card-from-next-week/HVIMNFVDKLI4XITQQ2IB5HJHYI/ |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324225046/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/manawatu-guardian/news/horizons-passengers-ride-the-buses-with-bee-card-from-next-week/HVIMNFVDKLI4XITQQ2IB5HJHYI/ |url-status=live }}
= Southland =
Invercargill replaced its Bus Smart card with Bee Card on 22 June 2020.{{Cite web|title=Bee Card|url=https://icc.govt.nz/buses/beecard/|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Invercargill City Council|language=en-nz|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122348/https://icc.govt.nz/buses/beecard/}}
= Waikato =
Waikato replaced its BUSIT card with Bee Card on 6 July 2020.{{Cite web |title=New Bee Card starts July on Raglan bus |url=https://www.raglan23.co.nz/news/new-bee-card-starts-july-on-raglan-bus/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=www.raglan23.co.nz |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521061330/https://www.raglan23.co.nz/news/new-bee-card-starts-july-on-raglan-bus/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=26 June 2020 |title=New prepay bus fare system for Hamilton |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/121958363/new-prepay-bus-fare-system-for-hamilton |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409000736/https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/121958363/new-prepay-bus-fare-system-for-hamilton |url-status=live }}
The Te Huia train accepted the Bee Card from its first service on 6 April 2021.
= Bay of Plenty =
Bee Card was introduced to Katikati, Kawerau, Omokoroa, Ōpōtiki, Rotorua and Whakatāne on 20 July and to Tauranga on 27 July 2020, replacing both the Tauranga and Rotorua Smartride cards.{{Cite web |date=23 June 2020 |title=bee-card.pdf |url=https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/exploring/travel/files/bee-card.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527014313/https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/exploring/travel/files/bee-card.pdf |archive-date=27 May 2023 |website=Tauranga City Council |access-date=27 May 2023 }}{{Cite web |last=School |first=Aquinas |date=30 June 2020 |title=Bay Bus New Bus Card {{!}} Aquinas College {{!}} Tauranga NZ |url=https://www.aquinas.school.nz/bay-bus-new-bus-card/ |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=Aquinas College |language=en-NZ |archive-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526230504/https://www.aquinas.school.nz/bay-bus-new-bus-card/ |url-status=live }}
= Nelson =
Nelson's replaced its NBus Card with Bee Card on 3 August 2020.{{Cite web|title=Bee Card: Nelson's new electronic bus card is here|url=https://our.nelson.govt.nz/media-releases-2/bee-card-nelsons-new-electronic-bus-card-is-here/|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Our Nelson|language=en-NZ|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122348/https://our.nelson.govt.nz/media-releases-2/bee-card-nelsons-new-electronic-bus-card-is-here/}}
= Hawke's Bay =
Hawke's Bay replaced its goBay cards with Bee Card on 24 August 2020.{{Cite web |date=21 May 2023 |title=Bee Card bus ticket system launches in Hawke's Bay |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/new-bee-card-bus-ticketing-system-launches-in-hawkes-bay/7BDAC4NJVBNX7ECQMDXWERZSHQ/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521063518/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/new-bee-card-bus-ticketing-system-launches-in-hawkes-bay/7BDAC4NJVBNX7ECQMDXWERZSHQ/ |url-status=live }}
= Otago =
Dunedin transitioned from the GoCard to the Bee Card during 2020. During the transition period, all trips were free.{{Cite web |orig-date=25 June 2020 |title=Yes, buses are still free |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2020/june/yes-buses-are-still-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165154/https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2020/june/yes-buses-are-still-free |archive-date=24 February 2021 |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.orc.govt.nz |language=en}} Bee Card became available in Dunedin on 1 September 2020 and in Queenstown on 15 September 2020.
The Bee Card led to increased bus passenger numbers in Dunedin due to its cheaper fares and simplified fare structure that was not zone-based.{{Cite web |title=New $2 online bus card – and free until September |url=https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/new-2-bus-card/ |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=Crux |language=en-NZ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326212418/https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/new-2-bus-card/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=28 August 2020 |title=The Bee Card Launches In Dunedin Next Week {{!}} Scoop News |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2008/S00607/the-bee-card-launches-in-dunedin-next-week.htm |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=www.scoop.co.nz |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521063247/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2008/S00607/the-bee-card-launches-in-dunedin-next-week.htm |url-status=live }}
Bee Card was added to Otago's Queenstown Ferries on 26 October 2022.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2022 |title=Bee prepared for cheaper ferry trips |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/bee-prepared-cheaper-ferry-trips |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519221125/https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/bee-prepared-cheaper-ferry-trips |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=25 October 2022 |title=Queenstown ferries buzzing to use Bee Cards |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477307/queenstown-ferries-buzzing-to-use-bee-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519220824/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477307/queenstown-ferries-buzzing-to-use-bee-cards |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |title=Queenstown Ferries – Frankton to Queenstown Bay |url=https://queenstownferries.co.nz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519220824/https://queenstownferries.co.nz/ |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=queenstownferries.co.nz |language=en}}
= Taranaki =
Taranaki replaced its Citylink and Connector cards with the Bee Card on 19 October 2020.{{Cite web |last=Coster |first=Deena |date=7 September 2020 |title=Older passengers express 'anxiety' over new bus card payment scheme |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/122664299/older-passengers-express-anxiety-over-new-bus-card-payment-scheme |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907212648/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/122664299/older-passengers-express-anxiety-over-new-bus-card-payment-scheme |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Persico |first=Christina |date=9 October 2020 |title=Taranaki public transport buses free until October 17 for pay system transition |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/123037629/taranaki-public-transport-buses-free-until-october-17-for-pay-system-transition |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=14 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714060530/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/123037629/taranaki-public-transport-buses-free-until-october-17-for-pay-system-transition |url-status=live }} With cheaper fares and an easier payment method, the Bee Card led to increased bus trips on Taranaki's Waitara route.{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Craig |date=4 August 2022 |title=Waitara bus route booms with cheap tickets |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/300654703/waitara-bus-route-booms-with-cheap-tickets |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521063849/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/300654703/waitara-bus-route-booms-with-cheap-tickets |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=27 May 2023 |title=Fare-ly easy system for buses |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/stratford-press/news/using-taranaki-buses-easier-with-introduction-of-flat-fare-system/PYILQYHOFJ5VB6IGPPVGXJQ44M/ |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521063853/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/stratford-press/news/using-taranaki-buses-easier-with-introduction-of-flat-fare-system/PYILQYHOFJ5VB6IGPPVGXJQ44M/ |url-status=live }}
= Gisborne =
The GizzyBus system in Gisborne was added to the Bee Card system in 2022, replacing the previous smartcard.{{Cite web |date=27 January 2022 |title=New bus card to be introduced in May |url=https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/news/2022-news/new-bus-card-to-be-introduced-in-may |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208112222/https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/news/2022-news/new-bus-card-to-be-introduced-in-may |archive-date=8 February 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Gisborne District Council |language=en}}
Operation
The card is tapped at a card reader when getting on and off transport, and deducts the relevant fare. In some regions the fare is based on how many zones are travelled,{{Cite web|title=Fares – BUSIT|url=https://busit.co.nz/fares/|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=BUSIT|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122348/https://busit.co.nz/fares/}} other regions use a flat fare regardless of distance.{{Cite web |date=21 May 2023 |title=Fare-ly easy system for buses |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/stratford-press/news/using-taranaki-buses-easier-with-introduction-of-flat-fare-system/PYILQYHOFJ5VB6IGPPVGXJQ44M/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521063853/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/stratford-press/news/using-taranaki-buses-easier-with-introduction-of-flat-fare-system/PYILQYHOFJ5VB6IGPPVGXJQ44M/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Fares and Bee Card – Queenstown |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/public-transport/queenstown-buses/fares |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122349/https://www.orc.govt.nz/public-transport/queenstown-buses/fares |archive-date=28 April 2021 |access-date=28 April 2021 |website=www.orc.govt.nz |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Beecard – How it Works|url=https://beecard.co.nz/Pages/HowItWorks|access-date=28 April 2021|website=beecard.co.nz|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418025411/https://beecard.co.nz/Pages/HowItWorks|url-status=live}} The Te Huia train uses a portable onboard card reader that a passenger attendant uses to remotely scan each passenger's card to deduct the relevant fare based on distance travelled.{{Cite web|title=Fares – Te Huia train|url=https://www.tehuiatrain.co.nz/fares/|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=www.tehuiatrain.co.nz|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418123057/https://www.tehuiatrain.co.nz/fares/}}{{Cite web|date=26 March 2021|title=Waikato's $98m rail punt – will it get people out of cars?|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/124666013/waikatos-98m-rail-punt--will-it-get-people-out-of-cars|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Stuff |language=en|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122617/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/124666013/waikatos-98m-rail-punt--will-it-get-people-out-of-cars|url-status=live}}
Cards and card balance can be purchased online or from the driver with cash when boarding.{{Cite web |title=Bee Card tips |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2020/september/bee-card-tips |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.orc.govt.nz |language=en}}
See also
References
{{reflist|refs= The citations are only one example of each type of how fares are deducted. Each regional council calculates their own fare structure and whether they use zones and/or flat fares.}}{{Public transport in New Zealand}}
Category:Fare collection systems in New Zealand