Otago Regional Council manager transport Lorraine Cheyne said Bee cards with blue dots are for SuperGold cardholders who qualify for free travel outside peak hours, but are also eligible for a Community Connect discount for travel at peak time ($1).
Community Connect, which started on July 1, provides Community Services cardholders with half-price fares on public transport — $1 instead of $2 — if they have a Bee card.
"Unfortunately, the two concessions can’t be loaded on one card; therefore two cards have to be issued, one for each concession," Ms Cheyne said.
"A blue dot is placed on the card that has the Community Connect concession (CCS) applied."
Customers can use a CCS Bee card (with the blue dot) for pay-per-ride travel on weekdays before 9am and between 3pm and 6.30pm.
For off-peak travel, they can use their SuperGold Bee cards on weekdays 9am-3pm and after 6.30pm, at weekends and on public holidays.
"If customers are having trouble telling which card is which, and cannot find the information under their registered cards on the Bee card website, then they can pay us a visit at Otago Regional Council reception, Level 2, Philip Laing House, Rattray St [on the corner of the Exchange]," Ms Cheyne said.
"Our customer services team will be able to help them find which card has the CCS concession loaded and which card is for the SuperGold concession."
GILLIAN VINE @thestar.co.nz
