A change in bus network and a fuel cost crisis driven by the Iran war has caused a minor spike in people choosing public transport in Hawke’s Bay.

From March 2 to 30, 52,339 trips were made on the regional buses network across Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, up 5% (2460 trips) on the same time last year.

The council changed its bus network in January, after scrapping its MyWay trial, which cost 159% more to operate than if it had kept its original bus routes.

The new routes attracted 108,910 riders from January 26 to March 30, up 12,736 on the same time last year.

To promote the new network, the council offered a week of free bus rides from January 25 to 31 and 9187 tookup the offer, 621 more than the same time last in 2025.

Hastings District Council councillor Steve Gibson said more free bus rides should be offered in the region to help ease the burden of rising fuel costs.

“SuperGold cardholders already enjoy free bus travel and that’s a good thing,” Gibson said.

“But I am calling for free regional bus travel between 9am and 3pm for everyone.”

A spokesperson for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said the fares were affordable.

“Adult Bee Card fares range from $2.10 for one zone to $3.20 for two zones, which is often cheaper than driving once fuel and parking costs are considered.

“While free off-peak travel is an idea that occasionally comes up, fares still play an important role in funding the public transport network and ensuring services can operate reliably throughout the day.”

Gibson said while he accepted fares were affordable, on Friday, around 10am in Hastings, he watched two empty buses go past, and one that “had just four passengers”.

“That raises a real question about value for money for the community.”

He said if those numbers were typical, off-peak fare revenue was unlikely to make any meaningful contribution to the overall cost of the service.

“We are running these buses anyway. Whether there is one passenger or 20, the cost is largely the same.

“The real issue is how we make better use of that capacity.”

He said if off-peak bus travel was free, it would get people out of cars, increase patronage and support households under pressure.

“Once people start using buses, many will keep using them when fuel prices ease and fares return. We will have a stronger, more established user base.”

HBRC is running an advertising campaign encouraging people to consider taking the bus as a cost-effective alternative to driving.

Around the country

Public transport use has increased in many parts of New Zealand since the Iran conflict began, pushing petrol and diesel above $3 a litre.

Auckland recorded 2.25 million bus, train and ferry trips in the third week of March, a seven-year high and 140,000 more journeys than the same week last year.

Auckland Transport also offers Fareshare, a subsidy programme that enables employers to cover 25%, 50%, or 75% of travel costs for their employees on public buses, trains and ferries.

Public transport use was up 3% in Wellington, 2.2% in Christchurch, and 4% in Dunedin.

Sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids have also surged.

The Government will give about 140,000 families with children an extra $50 per week from April 7 through a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit to provide relief from rising fuel prices.

Cheapest fuel in Hastings according to Gaspy at 10am Tuesday

91, U-GO Karamu Road, Pak’nSave Hastings and Waitomo Mahora at $3.36

Diesel, Pak’nSave Hastings, Gull Mayfair and Caltex Karamu, at $3.38

Cheapest fuel in Napier according to Gaspy at 10am Tuesday

91, Pak’nSave Napier, Allied Fuel Stop on Hyderabad Rd and Waitomo Napier at $3.36

Diesel, Pak’nSave Napier and Gull Taradale at $3.38

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.