Public transport in New Zealand

The use of public transport in New Zealand is low. According to the 2013 New Zealand census, 4.2% of those who worked travelled to work by bus, 1.6% travelled by train, and more than 70% travelled to work in a vehicle they drove themselves.{{cite web |url= http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-transport-comms/travel-to-work.aspx |access-date=19 July 2017|title=Main means of travel to work|date=3 February 2015|publisher=Stats NZ – stats.govt.nz}} The Household Travel Survey's proportion of public transport trips was even lower, at 2.3% in 2013/14.{{Cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|title=Travel patterns : Household travel {{!}} Ministry of Transport|website=www.transport.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511020233/http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|url-status=dead}} These figures are for the whole of New Zealand and include centres that may have limited or no public transport.

However, use of public transport was higher in major cities, which have more developed systems. In Wellington City, 16.8% of workers travelled by bus, more than twice as many as the next highest, Auckland City (6.5%).

In 2001, controversial analyst Wendell Cox described the Auckland Regional Council's (ARC) plan to increase public transport to the downtown area to 20% of total share as "a simply unachievable goal". He also described as "a fantasy" Christchurch's plans for an increase to 10–15% by 2018.{{cite web |url= http://www.demographia.com/db-wlgtext.htm |title=Urban Transport Planning in New Zealand: From Fantasy to Reality |author=Wendell Cox|access-date=19 July 2017}}

As can be seen from this table, there has been minimal increase over five years – public transport mode % of total trip legs by region (from NZ Household Travel Survey):{{Cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|title=Travel patterns : Household travel {{!}} Ministry of Transport|website=www.transport.govt.nz|access-date=17 October 2016|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511020233/http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.transport.govt.nz/mot-resources/transport-dashboard/1-household-travel/hd002-mode-share-of-trip-legs/hd003-mode-share-of-trip-legs-by-region-201014/|title=HD003 Mode share of trip legs by region 2010/14 (%)|website=Ministry of Transport}}

More up to date figures are available for numbers of bus passengers, which show declines in most areas outside the main cities:{{Cite web|url=https://www.transport.govt.nz/mot-resources/transport-dashboard/3-public-transport/pt005-public-transport-boardings-by-mode/pt006-bus-boardings-by-region/|title=Public transport volumes|website=www.transport.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|access-date=20 July 2018}}

Buses are the most common form of public transport in New Zealand, making up the majority of trips in every city that has public transport (and often being the only public transport mode available). InterCity and SKIP Bus[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1811/S00642/new-zealands-newest-bus-company-set-to-hit-the-road.htm New Zealand's newest bus company set to hit the road] are the only companies operating city to city bus transportations. They are followed by trains, which are found in Wellington and Auckland. Ferries also play a role, mainly in Auckland but also in other cities. Trams in New Zealand, while once common in many cities and towns, now survive only as heritage displays. Cable cars have also been employed; the Dunedin cable tramway system was both the second and second-last to operate in the world, while the Wellington Cable Car is now a funicular.

File:I.V Kekeno.jpg

File:NZ Bus 2114, Scania K270 UB6.jpg

{{main|Public transport in Auckland}}

Public transport in Auckland is managed by Auckland Transport (AT), a CCO of Auckland Council, under the AT and AT Metro brands. It consists of buses, trains, and ferries. The Auckland public transport system is New Zealand's largest by total passenger volume, although not by trips per capita.

Buses are the most widely used form of public transport in Auckland. They are operated by a number of companies, including NZ Bus, Ritchies Transport including Birkenhead Transport and Ritchies-Murphy, Howick and Eastern Buses, GoBus, Waiheke Bus Company (Fullers360 Group), Pavlovich Coachlines, Bayes Coachlines and Tranzurban Auckland. The route network is dense, covering all parts of the Auckland urban area (including Waiheke Island).

Auckland also has a commuter rail system, one of two in the country. The system uses AM class electric trains, following the electrification of the Auckland rail network in 2014. There are four lines, designated Western Line, Onehunga Line, Southern Line, and Eastern Line. The trains are operated by Auckland One Rail. During rail closures, rail replacement buses are run, contracted to Auckland's AT Metro contracted operators, or two charter companies [https://coachways.co.nz/ Coachways New Zealand], [https://www.kiwicoaches.com/ Kiwi Coaches] or [https://www.broughambuses.co.nz/ Broughman Buses] among other smaller charter operators.

Ferries also play a significant role in Auckland's transport network — more so than in other New Zealand cities. Ferries travel between the city centre and a number of destinations, including several points on the North Shore, Half Moon Bay, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, and Great Barrier Island. The largest operator is Fullers360 Group.

Auckland, like many others in New Zealand, previously operated trams. The first, horse-drawn, ran in 1884. Electric trams were introduced in 1902, operating until 1956. The Museum of Transport and Technology subsequently constructed a 2 km heritage line linking its two sites and Auckland Zoo. A tourist-oriented tram service has operated at Wynyard Quarter since 2011.{{cite news|title=Tram tracks first step in harbour transport project|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=97&objectid=10698271|access-date=11 January 2011|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=7 January 2011}}

{{main|Public transport in Christchurch}}

The Christchurch public transport system is based principally around buses, although the city also has a ferry service and a heritage tramway. The services are operated under the Metro brand by bus companies Red Bus and Go Bus, administered by the regional council, Environment Canterbury.

Buses operate to all parts of the Christchurch urban area, including Lyttelton. There are also services to outlying towns such as Rangiora, Lincoln, and Burnham. There are around 40 routes in total,[http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/timetable_maps.html Metro – Timetables] A free shuttle in the central city with hybrid-electric Designline buses was formerly operated until the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.[http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/docs/Shuttle_web.pdf Metro – The Shuttle] (PDF)

Since 12 November 2007, Christchurch has been carrying out the first New Zealand trial for bikes on buses,{{Cite web |url=http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/bikeRacks_Main.html |title=Bikes on Buses |access-date=13 March 2008 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208003051/http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/bikeRacks_Main.html |url-status=dead }} which amongst other things gives cyclists access through the Lyttelton road tunnel.[http://spokes.org.nz/newsletter/2007/09#7 Progress with Bikes on Buses]

A ferry service operates between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour, a small settlement on the opposite side of Lyttelton Harbour.

Christchurch used to operate an extensive tram network,[http://www.tram.co.nz/education.html Christchurch Tramway – Education] but this service was discontinued in 1954. In 1995, a heritage tramway was re-opened in the city centre, primarily serving tourists. The circuit was damaged by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and has since reopened.

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{{main|Public transport in the Otago Region}}

Dunedin's public transport system is based around buses, and formerly, trams, and the Dunedin cable car. There are 20 routes, covering the Dunedin area (including Mosgiel and Port Chalmers), plus a service to Waikouaiti and Palmerston. Services are operated privately by Ritchies and Go Bus, on routes and fares determined by Otago Regional Council, under the brand name "Orbus".

The system operates primarily radially, with suburban buses heading into the centre city, and then back out to a suburb on the other side, before returning back the other way. There is also a single orbital route along the ridge of the city.

The majority of bus routes in the centre city run on the same streets, effectively increasing bus frequency between the University of Otago and The Oval.{{Cite web |title=Dunedin Bus Timetable |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/media/6590/orbusdn-map-and-regularity.pdf}} Despite this, all the roads in the CBD are open to all traffic, including the Dunedin Bus Hub terminal.

The city formerly operated other forms of public transport — the Dunedin cable tramway system (similar to the famous San Francisco cable cars) operated between 1881 and 1957, and electric trams operated on several routes from 1900 to 1956. Suburban trains ran from the Dunedin Railway Station to Mosgiel and Port Chalmers until 1979 and 1982, respectively.

{{main|Public transport in Waikato}}

Hamilton has a bus system under the name BUSIT covering most of its urban area, with around 25 routes.[http://busit.co.nz/Hamilton-routes/ – Hamilton routes] There are also bus services to (and sometimes between) other towns in the Waikato region — Taupō, Huntly, Coromandel, Thames, Tokoroa, Meremere, Te Kauwhata, Cambridge, Paeroa, Raglan, Mangakino, and Te Awamutu are among the destinations.[http://busit.co.nz/Regional-services/ BusIt Waikato regional services]

Hamilton formerly had a commuter train to Auckland, the Waikato Connection. Proposals were floated in 2007 to re-instate the service. The proposal was dropped in a 2011 report{{Cite web| url=http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/PageFiles/19529/2081010.pdf | title=Report to Council - November 2011 – Decision required | access-date=27 January 2013 | archive-date=12 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212193201/http://waikatoregion.govt.nz/PageFiles/19529/2081010.pdf | url-status=dead}} in favour of extension only from Pukekohe to Tuakau. Plans for a commuter service between Hamilton and Papakura were revisited in 2017{{Cite web|date=2017-12-05|title=Regional council committee supports fresh look at commuter rail {{!}} Waikato Regional Council|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/regional-council-committee-supports-fresh-look-at-commuter-rail/|access-date=2021-06-04|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143533/https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/regional-council-committee-supports-fresh-look-at-commuter-rail/|archive-date=5 December 2017}} and received funding in 2019.{{Cite web|title=Hamilton to Auckland rail service full steam ahead: $92m funding announced|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hamilton-to-auckland-rail-service-full-steam-ahead-92m-funding-announced/TH2D7XAPPC55J2BWKYE5OXMKCI/|access-date=2021-06-04|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=18 December 2018 |language=en-NZ}} The service, called Te Huia, launched in April 2021.{{Cite web|title=Te Huia launch date confirmed|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/te-huia-launch-date-confirmed-2/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.waikatoregion.govt.nz}}

{{main|Public transport in Invercargill}}

Invercargill has a bus service with six routes[http://www.icc.govt.nz/icc/index.cfm?F4B90F89-FEC7-E0B2-4260-D249534FBF09 Invercargill City Council – Bus Timetables] operated by BusSmart INVERCARGILL (the buses travel to different areas around the city, with most travelling in the same directions). They operate from a hub outside Invercargill Central Limited in the central city and are administered by the Invercargill City Council. People with a Bee Card get cheaper fares then people who use cash. Super Gold Card holders may use the bus for free by using a Bee Card during off peak hours.

Invercargill formerly had the southernmost tram system in the world. Construction began in January 1911Graham Stewart, The End of the Penny Section: When Trams Ruled the Streets of New Zealand, rev. ed. (Wellington: Grantham House, 1993), p. 112. and the network operated from 26 March 1912 to 10 September 1952. At its greatest extent, it had four separate routes.Stewart, The End of the Penny Section, p. 236. Commuter trains also ran along the Bluff Branch railway line between Invercargill and Bluff from the line's opening in 1867 until the final service was cancelled in 1967. Multiple stops within Invercargill were serviced, and as late as 1950, seven trains ran each way on the average weekday.

{{main|Public transport in New Plymouth}}

New Plymouth has a bus system with nine routes covering most of its urban area, operated by Tranzit Coachlines.{{cite web|title=Taranaki Bus Information|url=http://www.trc.govt.nz/taranaki-bus-information/|work=Taranaki Regional Council website|publisher=Taranaki Regional Council|access-date=23 July 2013}} There are also bus services to other towns in the New Plymouth District; Bell Block, Inglewood, Ōakura and Waitara. Services are administered by the Taranaki Regional Council.

New Plymouth formerly operated electric trams over four routes between 10 March 1916 and 23 July 1954, as well as New Zealands only regional trolleybus system between 1950 and 1967.

{{main|Public transport in the Wellington Region}}

Image:EM_1367_leading_a_southbound_4_car_set_as_the_morning_sun_breaks_through_the_clouds,_near_Epuni_-_17_May_2003.jpg

Wellington has the highest percentage of citizens using public transport in the country.{{Cite web |url=http://www.metlink.org.nz/story21978.php |title=Metlink website – Statistics |access-date=17 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820072045/http://www.metlink.org.nz/story21978.php |archive-date=20 August 2009 |url-status=dead }} Its public transport system, organised under the Metlink brand, consists of buses, trains, ferries, and a funicular (the Wellington Cable Car).

The most widely used form of public transport is buses, which are operated mainly by Tranzurban Wellington and NZ Bus (both using multiple brands).{{Cite web |title=Patronage Statistics |url=https://www.metlink.org.nz/assets/Performance-of-our-network/Patronage-Statistics-to-Dec-2023.xlsx}} The network extends across the whole region, with slightly over 100 routes and around 2,800 stops. Until its final closure in 2017 some bus routes were served by the Wellington trolleybus system, which replaced the city's historic Wellington tramway system.

The second most popular form of public transport is rail, which makes up around a half of the total ridership. Wellington's commuter rail network carries passengers between the central city and suburban areas to the north, as well as to smaller towns in Wairarapa. It is the larger of New Zealand's two commuter rail systems, with 49 stations, and is mostly electrified. The two non-electrified services are diesel trains: the Wairarapa Connection from Masterton and the Capital Connection from Palmerston North. The latter is not run by the suburban operator, Transdev, but by long distance operator The Great Journeys of New Zealand; however, in practice, it serves as a commuter service.

The remainder of trips use either the Wellington ferry system or the Wellington Cable Car. The ferry service operates across Wellington Harbour, connecting Eastbourne, Matiu/Somes Island, and the central city. The iconic Wellington Cable Car (strictly speaking, a funicular, rather than a true cable car) travels between the central city and the suburb of Kelburn, and is still used as a regular means of transport.

Nelson has six routes, a Late Late Bus and a Peak overflow bus which operate in the Nelson/Tasman area, with a bus hub at Whakatu Square. It is operated as eBus, previously NBus. There are two express services: one to Motueka and one to Wakefield.

• Blenheim has bus service operating Mondays through to Saturdays. It has two loop routes, serving the northern and southern halves of the town from a central hub, and a route connecting Blenheim to Picton. It is operated by Ritchies Coachlines on behalf of the Marlborough District Council.{{cite web |url=https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/bus-services/bus-routes-in-marlborough |title=Bus Routes in Marlborough |work=Marlborough District Council |accessdate=6 March 2024}}
• Gisborne operates a bus service covering most of the town's urban area. There are six routes.[http://www.gdc.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/6D7AAC4C-67AB-44C7-A718-02F7BBC15E09/36477/busroutes06.pdf Gisborne District Council – Bus Routes] (PDF) It is run by a local company on behalf of Gisborne District Council.
• Levin had an internal bus service consisting of three loop routes converging on a central hub,[http://www.horizons.govt.nz/default.asp?pageid=130 Horizons Regional Council – Levin Buses] operated by Madge Coachlines on behalf of Horizons Regional Council. There are a few buses to Palmerston North, Foxton Beach and Waikanae,{{Cite web|url=https://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Road%20Safety/Horowhenua-Bus-Booklet-Survey-for-Download.pdf?ext=.pdf|title=Did you know Horizons Regional Council provides three public bus services in the Horowhenua District?|date=15 July 2018}} operated by Uzabus.{{Cite web|url=https://uzabus.co.nz/urban-services/|title=Urban Timetables and Routes|website=Uzabus}}
• Masterton has an internal bus network consisting of three routes, operated as part of the Wellington regional transport system. There are also bus connections to nearby towns, and regular train service to Wellington.
• Napier-Hastings had a bus service with nine routes — three in Napier proper, three in Hastings proper, and routes between Hastings and Napier, between Hastings and Flaxmere, and between Hastings and Havelock North.[http://www.hbrc.govt.nz/Transport/BusService/BusTimetable2007/tabid/221/Default.aspx#sat14 Nimon – Timetable] The buses are operated by Go Bus Transport Ltd. They are funded by the regional council. From 7 June 2022 three of Hastings' bus routes{{Cite web |title=About MyWay |url=https://www.mywayhb.nz/about-myway/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=www.mywayhb.nz}} have been replaced by three on-demand minibuses.{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.mywayhb.nz/faqs/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=www.mywayhb.nz}}

• Palmerston North's public transport system consists of five bus routes, forming loops through the city's suburbs from a central station in the city's centre.[http://www.horizons.govt.nz/default.aspx?pageid=130 Horizons Regional Council – Palmerston North Urban Bus Routes] The outward and inward portions of each loop are given distinct labels. There are also less frequent services to places outside the immediate urban area, such as Ashhurst, Feilding, Levin, Taihape, and the Linton Army Camp.
• Pukekohe has an internal bus loop operated as part of the Auckland transport system, and regular train service to Papakura and onwards to Auckland.
• Queenstown has four bus routes under the brand Orbus as part of the Otago Regional Council. They connect Queenstown with the areas of Fernhill, Frankton, Kelvin Heights, Jacks Point, Arthurs Point, Lake Hayes and Arrowtown.{{cite news |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/public-transport/queenstown-buses/bus-information/introducing-the-new-service |title=Welcome to Orbus Queenstown |work=Otago Regional Council |date=28 May 2018 |access-date=24 December 2018}}
• Rotorua has a network of ten bus routes, serving all parts of the urban area.{{Cite web|title=Rotorua Urban - Baybus|url=https://www.baybus.co.nz/rotorua/rotorua-urban/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=www.baybus.co.nz}} The buses are administered by the Bay of Plenty's regional council. There are links to other towns in the area.{{Cite web|title=Murupara / Ruatahuna - Baybus|url=https://www.baybus.co.nz/rotorua/murupara-ruatahuna/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=www.baybus.co.nz}}{{Cite web|title=Mamaku Village Connector - Baybus|url=https://www.baybus.co.nz/rotorua/mamaku-village-connector/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=www.baybus.co.nz|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717020639/https://www.baybus.co.nz/rotorua/mamaku-village-connector/|url-status=dead}}
• Taupō has three routes under the BUSIT service covering the Taupō urban area and to other towns in the Waikato.{{Cite web|title=Regional buses - BUSIT|url=https://www.busit.co.nz/regional-services/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=www.busit.co.nz}}
• Tauranga employs buses and ferries in its public transport system. Its bus system has around a dozen routes, covering all major parts of its urban area.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070513162409/http://baybus.co.nz/Regions/Tauranga/Default.aspx Bay Bus – Tauranga] The buses run seven days a week.{{cite web| url = http://www.baybus.co.nz/regions/Tauranga/Default.aspx| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070513162409/http://baybus.co.nz/Regions/Tauranga/Default.aspx| archive-date = 2007-05-13| title = Tauranga}} There are also bus connections to other places in the Bay of Plenty region. The buses are administered by the Bay of Plenty regional council. Ferry services run between central Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Matakana Island.[http://www.bayofplentynz.com/Tauranga/Bay_Ferries___Harbour_Cruises_ov=2551_.html Bay Ferries & Harbour Cruises]
• Timaru's public transport network had four bus routes within its urban area from 2013, plus a route to nearby Temuka,{{Cite web |url=http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/timTimetables.html |title=Metro – Timaru |access-date=17 May 2007 |archive-date=6 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506131404/http://metroinfo.org.nz/timTimetables.html |url-status=dead }} until the Gleniti, Grantlea and Watlington routes were replaced by seven on-demand 11 or 13 seat 'MyWay' vans, with bike racks,{{Cite web|title=MyWay by Metro|url=http://www.mywaybymetro.co.nz/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.mywaybymetro.co.nz}} from February 2020. Fares had previously covered only 15% of costs.{{Cite web|date=2020-02-10|title=Timaru Link service could go in sweeping public transport changes|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/119386535/timaru-link-service-could-go-in-sweeping-public-transport-changes|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Stuff |language=en}} The remaining urban route is a loop, with a hub in the city centre.{{Cite web|title=Timaru Link|url=https://timaru.metroinfo.co.nz/timetables/timaru-link/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=timaru.metroinfo.co.nz}} The trial service was made permanent in 2021, after ridership increased by 16%.{{Cite web|last=|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|date=17 June 2021|title=Environment Canterbury Approves On-demand Public Transport After Trial's Success|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2106/S00252/environment-canterbury-approves-on-demand-public-transport-after-trials-success.htm|access-date=2021-08-07|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}
• West Coast Regional Council supports taxis under the Total Mobility scheme[http://www.transport.govt.nz/land/the-total-mobility-scheme/ Total Mobility scheme] in Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika only. It does not include any buses, or the TranzAlpine train.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wcrc.govt.nz/Documents/Regional%2520Transport/Regional%2520Public%2520Transport%2520Plan%2520-%2520Operative%2520Plan.pdf|title=West Coast Regional Public Transport Plan 2015|website=www.wcrc.govt.nz|access-date=13 June 2016}} West Coast has the lowest proportion of public transport journeys in the country at 0.1% of all trips.{{Cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|title=Travel patterns : Household travel {{!}} Ministry of Transport|website=www.transport.govt.nz|access-date=13 June 2016|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511020233/http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/tmif/travelpatterns/tp003/|url-status=dead}} In the past, local public transport was provided by local tramways, local buses to Greymouth, Blackball, Dobson, Wallsend, Taylorville, Blaketown and Hokitika{{Cite news|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH19450119.2.28&srpos=51&zto=1|title=Trains Stop|date=19 January 1945|work= The New Zealand Herald|pages=4|access-date=13 June 2016}} and passenger trains on the Blackball branch until 1940, Conns Creek until 1931, Midland Line until 1986,{{Cite web|url=http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf|title=Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand 1863 to 2010|access-date=13 June 2016|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724032358/http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf|url-status=dead}} Ross until 1972, Seddonville until 1946 and Westport until 1967.
• Whanganui operates buses on four loop routes, originating from a central terminus and passing through the city's suburbs.{{Cite web|date=7 October 2019|title=Whanganui-Timetable-October-2019_1.pdf|url=http://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Bus-Route-Timetable/Whanganui-Timetable-October-2019_1.pdf?ext=.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716022507/http://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Bus-Route-Timetable/Whanganui-Timetable-October-2019_1.pdf?ext=.pdf|archive-date=16 July 2020|access-date=16 July 2020|website=Horizons Regional Council}} As in Palmerston North (whose service is administered by the same region), the outward and inward portions of each loop are given distinct labels. There are also buses to Taihape and Palmerston North.{{Cite web|title=Taihape-Timetable-Updated-20190312.pdf|url=http://www.horizons.govt.nz/getattachment/Buses-Transport/Bus-Routes-Transport/Downloadable-timetables/Taihape-Timetable-Updated-20190312.pdf?lang=en-NZ&ext=.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716022633/http://www.horizons.govt.nz/getattachment/Buses-Transport/Bus-Routes-Transport/Downloadable-timetables/Taihape-Timetable-Updated-20190312.pdf?lang=en-NZ&ext=.pdf|archive-date=16 July 2020|access-date=16 July 2020|website=Horizons Regional Council}}{{Cite web|title=Whanganui-to-Palmerston-North-bus-timetable-2019.pdf|url=http://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Bus-Route-Timetable/Whanganui-to-Palmerston-North-bus-timetable-2019.pdf?ext=.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716022927/http://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Bus-Route-Timetable/Whanganui-to-Palmerston-North-bus-timetable-2019.pdf?ext=.pdf|archive-date=16 July 2020|access-date=16 July 2020|website=Horizons Regional Council}} In early 2023 Horizons launched a new bus line called 'TeNgaru/The Tide'. It runs at 20 minutes frequency (not Sundays) from Castlecliff to Aramoho.{{Cite web |title=Te Ngaru The Tide |url=https://www.horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport/the-tide |website=Horizons Region}}
• Whangārei has a bus service administered by the regional council, funded by the district council and Land Transport New Zealand, and operated by Adams Travelines (a NZBus owned company) under the name CityLink Whangārei.[http://www.wdc.govt.nz/customerservice/?lc=reader&m=tssd&i=2992 CityLink Whangarei] The system has ten routes, covering most of the Whangārei urban area.{{Cite web|title=CityLink Whāngārei - Whāngārei Bus Service, Timetables - Routes|url=https://citylinkwhangarei.co.nz/timetables/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=CityLink Whangarei|language=en-US}} It runs six days a week.{{Cite web|title=Bus Ticket & Fare Information - CityLink Whāngārei|url=https://citylinkwhangarei.co.nz/tickets/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=CityLink Whangarei|language=en-US}}

The table below lists towns in New Zealand that have or once had public transport systems. It includes only internal services (as opposed to services between towns), and does not include services run primarily for heritage reasons.

Bus transport in New Zealand was initially a free, open, unregulated market with few legal barriers to entry until the Motor-omnibus Act 1926{{cite web | url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/mta192617gv1926n67311/ | title=Motor-omnibus Traffic Act 1926 (17 GEO V 1926 No 67) }} which introduced the requirement for all bus companies to hold a licence issued by the Licensing Authorities, which set fares, routes and frequencies. This was built on by the Transport Licensing Act 1931 which established district licensing boards to regulate all transport activities not just motor-omnibuses. After 1933, no new licences would be issued for motor-omnibus services except where the market was not served by the railways. This legislation had the effect of insulating New Zealand Railways and local tramways from competition from the bus.

The New Zealand Railways began acquiring and consolidating bus companies from 1926 into the 1940s under the New Zealand Railways Roads Services.{{cite web | url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2019/06/28/a-history-of-regional-and-long-distance-buses-in-new-zealand/ | title=A History of Regional and Long-Distance Buses in New Zealand | date=27 June 2019 }} The bus system gradually passed into public ownership and local regulation and governance.

The Muldoon Government liberalised New Zealand land transport in its 1981–1984 term. The Transport Amendment Act 1983Part III http://www8.austlii.edu.au/nz/legis/hist_act/taa219831983n33287/ stripped the ability of any government to set fares and operators did not have to demonstrate any need for a service.{{cite web | url=https://busandcoach.co.nz/about-us/history/ | title=Our History }} This removed regulatory barriers to new companies outside the cities.

The Transporting Services Licensing Act 1989{{Cite web| title=Regulatory Impact Statement - New Policy Framework for Bus and Ferry Public Transport Services - Agency Disclosure Statement | url=https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2012-04/ris-transport-npf-mar12.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118133741/https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2012-04/ris-transport-npf-mar12.pdf | archive-date=2023-11-18}} introduced a distinction between commercial services and non-commercial bus services - where any operator believed they could provide a service without any financial contribution from the government. Some municipalities disposed of their incumbent bus operations, but Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland decided to corporatise their bus services into limited companies and delegate operations and fare-setting for commercial (i.e. unsupported) routes to these companies, but regional councils retained the ability to subsidise and intervene on socially-necessary services.

The New Zealand government began taking control over bus transport in 2008 with the Public Transport Management Act in 2008{{cite web | url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0087/latest/DLM1465946.html#DLM1465946 | title=Public Transport Management Act 2008 No 87 (As at 13 June 2013), Public Act 13 Controls on commercial public transport services – New Zealand Legislation }} which empowered governments to intervene in commercial bus service provision. This was further strengthened in 2013, through the introduction of the concession model, which went under review in 2023.

In 2011/2013 (sources differ), the National government introduced the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM), with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need for government subsidies for public transport. It stipulated that councils had to allow private companies to bid for operating contracts.{{Cite web |last=MacManus |first=Joel |date=2023-08-28 |title=The most hated policy in public transport is gone. What does that mean for commuters? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-08-2023/the-most-hated-policy-in-public-transport-is-gone-what-does-that-mean-for-commuters |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Bus driver pay legislation passes under urgency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/496488/bus-driver-pay-legislation-passes-under-urgency |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} In order to be competitive, operators continuously lowered their drivers' wages, eventually leading to a large scale shortage of 800 bus drivers in the country.{{Cite web |title=Public transport woes as commuters head back to work |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/22/public-transport-woes-as-commuters-head-back-to-work/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=1News |language=en}} This resulted in overcrowding on buses and reduced timetables.{{Cite web |title=Bus driver shortage brings reduced services for Otago region. |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/12/bus-driver-shortage-brings-reduced-services-for-otago-region/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=1News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-19 |title=Wellington bus driver wages lifted to $30 per hour |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-bus-driver-wages-lifted-to-30-per-hour/GFO2X4DLF5EHXAP7JGASCG7W3M/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} In 2022 and 2023, governments ended up providing additional subsidies to bring driver wages up to $30 an hour in Canterbury,{{Cite web |date=2023-03-31 |title=Further wage increase agreed for Greater Christchurch bus drivers |url=https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/further-wage-increase-agreed-for-greater-christchurch-bus-drivers/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Environment Canterbury |language=en-GB}} Otago,{{Cite web |title=ORC lifts bus drivers' wages for third time to $30 p/h {{!}} Otago Regional Council |url=https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2023/march/orc-lifts-bus-drivers-wages-for-third-time-to-30-ph |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.orc.govt.nz |language=en}} and Wellington, and $26 an hour in Auckland,{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=An additional boost to bus driver pay |url=https://at.govt.nzhttps//at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2022-media-releases/an-additional-boost-to-bus-driver-pay/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}} as well as allowing for migrant drivers, in an attempt to recruit more drivers and fill the shortage.{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130122547/bus-driver-shortage-weakest-link-in-government-emissions-plan?rm=a |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

In August 2023, PTOM was eliminated by the government in favour of the Sustainable Public Transport Framework. In a report it was found that PTOM did not actually reduce government subsidies at all, and in some cases government public transport subsidies increased after PTOM's adoption. As PTOM's private operator requirement has been lifted, Wellington's Regional Council has begun planning to take some critical public transport infrastructure, like depots, back into public ownership.{{Cite web |title=Wellington.Scoop » Regional Council to consult on public ownership of bus infrastructure |url=https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=154644 |access-date=2024-02-18 |language=en}} National has criticised the new framework as not allowing for a competitive public transport market.

• Auckland Transport
• Christchurch Transport Board
• Otago Region (Dunedin and Queenstown)
• Metlink
• Regional governments

The Chatham islands have no regular scheduled public transport on land.

From 1950 to 1964 urban passenger trips fell from 198 to 127 million a year, which prompted the Carter Report on Urban Transport, published in 1970.{{Cite web|title=Public transport funding|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/public-transport/page-7|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |language=en}} The report recommended subsidies to relieve traffic congestion, air pollution and provide for the poor.{{Cite web|date=2018|title=Public Transport 2045|url=https://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Our-Work/Documents/dbf34ecb01/Public-Transport-2045.pdf|website=Ministry of Transport}} In 1971, 65 private bus operators lobbied Sir Keith Holyoake to implement its recommendations on capital subsidies.{{Cite journal|date=7 July 1971|title=Bus services call for help|journal=Waikato Times |pages=2}} In November 1971 the [http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/motaa19711971n65398/ Ministry of Transport Amendment Act 1971] set up the Urban Passenger Transport Council to give subsidies, and regional councils were also able to use rates. Funding was initially split equally between rail and buses, but later changed to favour buses. From 1989 funding was allocated by Transit New Zealand, until the 1996 Land Transport Management Act transferred it to Transfund New Zealand and the Land Transport Management Act 2003 to the National Land Transport Fund.{{Cite web|title=Public transport funding in New Zealand {{!}} Ministry of Transport|url=https://www.transport.govt.nz/land/land-transport-investment/public-transport-funding/#:~:text=The%20operating%20costs%20of%20public,,%20council%20funding,%20and%20fares.|access-date=2020-07-31|website=www.transport.govt.nz}} In 2018-21 NLTF committed $1,231,715,400 to operating costs and $693,188,400 to infrastructure.{{Cite web|title=Allocation of funds to activity classes {{!}} Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency|url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-investment/national-land-transport-programme/2018-21-nltp/nltp-snapshot-and-tables/allocation-of-funds-to-activity-classes?state=current|access-date=2020-07-31|website=www.nzta.govt.nz}}

• Rail transport in New Zealand
• Trams in New Zealand
• Transport in New Zealand

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.transport.govt.nz/current-issues/ Current Issues] (from the New Zealand Ministry of Transport)
• [http://www.thehub.co.nz/ The Hub] (private forum for discussion of public transport in New Zealand)
• [http://www.teara.govt.nz/mi/coaches-and-long-distance-buses History of buses and coaches – Te Ara encyclopedia (on 7 pages)]

{{Public transport in New Zealand}}