Free buses in Hastings and Napier this weekend for World Public Transport Day
April 16, 2026
No payment or Bee Card is needed, with passengers free to hop on and off.
Residents and visitors in Napier and Hastings will have the opportunity to travel on all GoBay bus services for free this weekend, from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. The three-day fare-free period is being held to coincide with the inaugural World Public Transport Day, a new global initiative celebrating the importance of shared mobility services in connecting communities. The promotion, managed by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, aims to provide an incentive for people to experience the local bus network without the barrier of cost.
During the three-day event, passengers can simply board any GoBay bus across the two cities without needing to pay a fare or use a Bee Card. Hawke's Bay Regional Transport Committee Chair Neil Kirton said the initiative is designed to encourage those who do not regularly use public transport to give it a try. He noted that with fuel costs remaining a concern for many households, the free weekend offers a timely opportunity for people to explore different ways of traveling around the region, helping to save on fuel and parking costs while reducing traffic congestion.
This promotion follows closely on the heels of a major overhaul of the region's public transport system. In January 2026, the Hawke's Bay Regional Council launched its "Better Bus Routes" network, the most significant change to local bus services in nearly two decades. That launch, which introduced more direct routes and new connections to key destinations like the Hawke's Bay Airport and the Regional Sports Park, was also promoted with a week of free travel to encourage public adoption. Officials hope this weekend's event will build on the positive momentum and increased ridership that has been observed since the new network was introduced.
The free weekend is a practical application of the Regional Council's wider transport strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and make public transport a more attractive and viable choice for residents. By offering a no-cost trial, the council seeks to change public perceptions and habits, demonstrating the convenience of the revamped network for commuting, study, and recreation. This initiative aligns with long-term regional plans to foster sustainable transport options, improve accessibility, and enhance the overall connectivity between Napier and Hastings.
As cities worldwide explore policies to increase public transit use, fare-free initiatives are increasingly being used as a tool to study travel behavior and promote social equity. Similar programs in other locations have often led to increased ridership and provided valuable data for transport planners. Hawke's Bay officials will likely be monitoring usage figures from the weekend closely, gathering insights that could inform future decisions on fares, service levels, and other promotions as they continue to develop a more resilient and user-focused public transport system for the region.
Source: nzherald