Bee Card

FAQs

• How do I top up?

  Online top ups at beecard.co.nz or via 0800 205 305 are available, or come and see the team at the Transport Centre or other Bee Card retailers across the region.

  Remember- online and phone top ups can take up to 12 hours to activate. Top ups at the Transport Centre counter or other retailers are instant.
• My balance is showing as ‘pending’ in my online account, is it really there?

  Your Bee Card credit will activate next time you tag on to the bus - so yes, it’s really there!
• Can I pay for anyone else with my Bee Card?

  We recommend everyone gets a Bee Card, but you can still pay for others. Tag on like normal and then speak to your driver - they can take credit off your Bee Card to pay for others’ fares. Then remember to tag off when you leave the bus.

  Any extra passengers you pay for will be charged the adult fare.
• Do SuperGold users travel for free?

  SuperGold cardholders can receive free travel on BUSIT services at all times when using a Bee Card loaded with their SuperGold concession. 
• What is fare capping?

  On a registered Bee Card, once you spend a certain amount each week, from Monday to Sunday, all further bus travel in that zone is free. Simply tag on and off with your Bee Card to activate fare capping.
  
  From 1 July 2024, a new youth fare capping system will be introduced, meaning riders aged 5-18 will be capped after 6.5 trips (with a registered Bee Card).

  For example, in Hamilton this means the maximum an adult will pay per week is $24.03, and people 18 and under will pay no more than $17.36.

  Fare capping is also available across zones – for example for people travelling through three zones, like Huntly / Cambridge / Te Awamutu / Morrinsville to Hamilton, the maximum weekly travel cost would be $48.15, and $34.78 for people 18 and under.

  Please note, fare capping is activated by consecutive daily travel.
• Can I pay half my fare with cash and the other half with a Bee Card?

  No. You'll need to pay your full fare in cash or with your Bee Card.
• What is the cost of a Bee Card?

  New and replacement Bee Cards cost $5.
• Do children need a different Bee Card?

  We suggest that children have their own Bee Card as they are entitled to access weekly fare capping for youth under 18 years (for daily riders) - weekly fares will be capped after 6.5 trips. Note children under 5 years travel free without a Bee Card.

  Otherwise, you can use you Bee Card to pay for a child, but this will be charged at a full adult fare. Please tag on extra passengers by talking to your bus driver.
• I no longer need my bus card. Can I get a refund from the remaining credit on my Bee Card?

  No. We are unable to provide refunds. Please consider this when topping up your Bee Card.
• How does Auto Top Up work?

  Auto Top Up ensures that you'll always have enough balance on your Bee Card to pay your fare. If your Bee Card goes below your pre-selected threshold amount, your card will be automatically topped up with your pre-selected dollar amount.
  
  See full instructions on how to set up Auto Top Up here.

  What if my payment fails on an Auto Top Up?

  If Bee Card is unable to collect payment for your Auto Top Up, you'll receive an email letting you know that Auto Top Up has been suspended. Once you have resolved the issue that caused the failed payment you will need to restart the Auto Top Up on your Bee Card. Any bank fees that are charged as a result of insufficient funds in your account are your responsibility.
• What happens if I lose my Bee Card?

  If your registered Bee Card is lost or stolen, you can cancel your card online or in person and your balance can then be transferred to a new card. You will need to pay for a replacement card. Balances cannot be transferred on lost or stolen cards that are not registered.