About the bus
Many of our buses have features to make it easier for you to use them.
Kneeling buses and ramps
Many of our buses can be lowered to make it easier for you to get on and off them at the curb. If you would like the bus to kneel, please let the driver know as you approach the door.
Wheelchair access
All Bayhopper Tauranga and Cityride Rotorua urban buses and majority of Eastern Bay of Plenty buses are wheelchair accessible with super low floors and ramps.
Most of our buses can also kneel on request, which means the bus will kneel and lower the ramps to ensure ease of embarking and disembarking. Please request the driver to assist you.
Our Buses can accommodate mobility aids up to the maximum dimensions of 700mm wide and 1200mm long and 300kg (combined weight of wheelchair and user) weight limit.
Please note that our buses are unable to accommodate mobility scooters due to their restricted maneuverability.
Wheelchair users have priority seating in the wheelchair bays on our buses.
The wheelchair bay is located at the front of the bus close to the driver and can be identified by a large blue square on the floor with an image of a wheelchair. There is also priority seating wording on the window of the bus.
Priority of these seating areas must be given to people using a wheelchair. The bus driver will wait for wheelchair users to be seated and in a comfortable position with their brakes applied before taking off for the bus journey. For additional assurance passengers can hold onto the rails located in the seating area.
We've also put together a document outlining which Baybus buses are wheelchair accessible, how the buses are wheelchair accessible, priority seating areas/wheelchair bays and accessible payment options while using the bus.
Bike racks
Bike racks are fitted to all urban buses in Rotorua, Tauranga, and Whakatāne, making it easy to combine cycling with your bus journey.
What you need to know
- No booking is required
- Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Each rack holds up to two bikes
- Most standard bikes can be carried (excluding e-bikes, oversized bikes and children’s bikes with wheels smaller than 20 inches, which may not fit securely)
- You are responsible for loading and unloading your bike - please let the driver know before you do so
- The driver cannot leave the bus to assist, but will wait until your bike is secure
How to use the racks
- Signal the driver that you’d like to use the rack.
- Lift your bike onto the front rack and fit it into the wheel slots.
- Secure the support arm over the front wheel.
- Hop on board and enjoy your ride.
- When you leave, let the driver know before unloading your bike.
Watch our short video for a step-by-step guide on how to load and unload your bike:
Charging ports (some buses only)
Charging ports are available on our electric buses in Tauranga only at this stage.
Free Wi-Fi on-board
Stay connected while you travel. Baybus offers free Wi-Fi on-board to make your journey more enjoyable. Simply connect to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council network in your mobile device settings. By using the Wi-Fi, you agree to the following terms:
- Each device is limited to 20MB per day.
- The service supports basic internet browsing, checking and sending emails, streaming, and downloading files.
- Connection quality may vary depending on your location or the number of users sharing the Wi-Fi. In some areas, service may be intermittent or unavailable.
- You are responsible for your device and its security. Please take measures to protect the security of your wireless connection through methods such as encryption, firewalls and anti-virus software.
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council and its bus operators do not accept any liability in relation to the Wi-Fi or your use of it and do not provide security, support or related services.
- Please do not ask the bus driver for assistance with your Wi-Fi connection. Drivers have not been trained to evaluate and fix internet or connectivity related problems.