Bus fares to rise due to increased costs, government mandate

Published: 23 April 2025

Fares on goBay bus services in and around Hastings and Napier will rise on Sunday 4 May 2025.

The average five percent fare increase is in response to rising operational costs and a requirement from central government to increase the private contribution toward public transport funding, ensuring services remain financially sustainable.

The new fare structure has been calculated based on current rates and rounded to the nearest 10 cents for simplicity.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Transport Manager Russell Turnbull says fares are reviewed annually to ensure they reflect changes in the costs of running the service.

“This year, costs have increased due to inflation, wage rises, fuel price volatility, and vehicle maintenance,” he says.

“This fare adjustment is essential to maintain the quality and reliability of our public transport services.”

GoBay services operate in and around Hastings, Flaxmere, Havelock North, Taradale, and Napier. They are planned and managed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and operated by Go Bus.

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