Submission to Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2026–2036
Submitted by: Grey Power Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty
Date: August 2026
Continued Free Public Transport for Senior Citizens
Grey Power Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty welcomes the opportunity to submit on the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2026–2036.
Grey Power represents and advocates for older people throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Affordable, accessible and reliable public transport is essential for many senior citizens, particularly those living on fixed incomes, those who no longer drive, and those with limited access to private transport.
Our principal request is that the Regional Public Transport Plan include a clear and ongoing commitment to free public transport for eligible senior citizens using the Bee Card, or any replacement national or regional ticketing system.
Free public transport provides important benefits by helping older people to:
attend medical, dental and health appointments;
access shops, libraries and essential services;
visit family and friends;
participate in social, recreational and community activities;
volunteer and continue contributing to their communities; and
remain independent, active and socially connected.
Free travel also helps reduce financial pressure at a time when many older people are experiencing increased costs for food, housing, rates, insurance, electricity and healthcare. Even relatively small transport fares can discourage some seniors from making essential or regular journeys.
The Bay of Plenty’s population is ageing, and public transport planning over the next decade must respond to the needs of a growing number of residents aged 65 years and over. Maintaining free senior travel is an investment in healthy ageing, independence and community participation. It may also reduce social isolation and help older people remain independent for longer.
Grey Power recognises that the Bee Card may be replaced or incorporated into a future national ticketing system. Any change in technology must not result in the loss or reduction of senior travel entitlements. Future ticketing arrangements should remain simple and accessible and should not require seniors to own a smartphone, use online banking or have reliable internet access. Physical cards and in-person assistance should continue to be available.
Grey Power Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty therefore requests that Bay of Plenty Regional Council:
Retain free public transport for eligible senior citizens throughout the ten-year life of the Plan.
Guarantee that free senior travel will continue under any replacement ticketing system.
Ensure future ticketing systems remain accessible to people without smartphones or internet access.
Continue improving the reliability, accessibility, safety and coverage of public transport services used by older people.
Consult regularly with Grey Power and other organisations representing older people when reviewing public transport services, fares and ticketing.
Free public transport makes a meaningful difference to the lives of older people. It supports independence, reduces financial pressure, encourages social connection and enables seniors to remain active participants in their communities.
Grey Power Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty strongly urges the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to retain and protect free public transport for eligible senior citizens throughout the period covered by the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2026–2036.
Grey Power Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty
Advocating for the wellbeing, independence and inclusion of older people
