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What is the SuperGold card, and why do we promote it?
SuperGold Cards can be used off-peak on any Hamilton City bus service listed below.
Free bus travel is provided to all Super Gold card holders between 9am - 3.00pm and then again from 6.30pm until the end of service, Monday to Friday and all day Saturday/Sunday and public holidays. You will need to pay the fare applicable at your time of travel, which will be a full adult fare if you travel outside these hours.
The SuperGold card is available to all eligible New Zealanders aged 65 years or over and those under this age who receive the New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. The card provides access to a wide range of business discounts, government and local authority services, entitlements and concessions, and was launched in August 2007.
Remember to present your SuperGold card to the driver when boarding the bus so you can travel for free.
Which services can the SuperGold card be used on?
You can use your super gold card on the following services:
Please note that not all services accept SuperGold cards. Once available they will be listed above.
Questions and answers
Q. What transport concessions will be available to SuperGold Card holders?
A. Card holders will be entitled to free off-peak public transport services within a region.
Q. What services will be free?
A. SuperGold Card holders can access free travel on scheduled off-peak bus, rail and harbour ferry services. (N.B. Rail and harbour ferry services are not available in the EW region)
Q. What times are ‘off-peak’?
A. Off-peak hours for SuperGold Card holders is 9am to 3pm and 6:30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays.
Q. Will I need to show any identification to travel for free?
A. You will only need to show your SuperGold Card to the bus driver. If you do not have a SuperGold card you will not be able to travel for free. No other identification will be accepted if you don’t have your card.
Q. Will I be asked to provide any other information?
A. The driver may ask how far you are traveling – this is to help Waikato Regional Council monitor the use of their services by SuperGold Card holders.
Q. What if the driver doesn’t accept my card?
A. Drivers have been instructed to accept all valid SuperGold Cards for free travel on eligible services. If you experience any difficulties using your card on eligible services please contact Waikato Regional Council.
Q. Is free travel also available for long distance travel?
A. No. Funding applies only to public transport travel within a region. It will have the same service coverage as a region’s existing public transport services.
Q. Will there be any differences in the free services offered from region to region?
A. Yes. Regions already have different existing public transport services, including the availability of different modes, frequency of services and area coverage. There will also be differences in availability, particularly between urban and rural areas. For detailed information visit Busit online, phone 0800 4 BUSLINE or ask at the transport centre on the corner of Bryce & Anglesea Sts.
Q. Will this mean an increase in the amount of public transport services available?
A. No. Public transport in New Zealand currently has spare off-peak capacity which will be able to meet increased demand in the off-peak periods.
Q. What about disabled users of public transport?
A. While there are some SuperGold Card holders with a disability who are unable to use conventional scheduled public transport, a growing proportion of the urban bus fleet now have super-low floors which are more accessible, while train and ferry services are also increasingly accessible for people with disabilities. (N.B. Rail and harbour ferry services are not available in the EW region)
Q. Do international pensioners receive this concession?
A. No. This policy is only for New Zealand residents who hold a SuperGold Card.
Q. How much is this initiative costing?
A. In Budget 2008 Government announced $72 million in funding over the next four years ($18m per year) to provide free off-peak travel for SuperGold Card holders. This funding includes a 100% transport subsidy for card holders, plus administration and set-up costs.
Q. How can I get a SuperGold Card?
A. The SuperGold Card is available to all New Zealanders aged 65 years and over who are permanently resident in New Zealand. It is automatically issued to those who receive the New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. If you have not received your card, or if you have misplaced it, call the SuperGold Card Centre on 0800 25 45 65, email or download a copy of an application at the SuperGold website. You can also apply for a card at any Work and Income Service Centre.
Related links
Visit the SuperGold website to find out more.