People who are permanently unable to drive become eligible for free transport on Bay of Plenty Regional Council bus services from July 1.

The Accessibility Concession will get loaded on to the passenger's Bee Card and enable free public transport seven days a week.

Regional Council Public Transport Committee chairman Andrew von Dadelszen says the concession enables greater independence, flexibility and makes travel more accessible for many people across the region.

'It will provide greater region-wide access to schools, tertiary institutes, employment and civic services for people with specific mobility impairments,” Andrew says.

'We are also providing an option for Accessibility Concession holders who cannot travel independently free transport for their plus one companion.”

The permanent mobility impairment may be physical, intellectual, psychological, sensory or neurological. The concession does not cover people with temporary disabilities.

Regional Council Transport Operations team lead Jen Proctor says it is exciting to be assisting members of the community better through free public transport.

'This new free transport option, along with the plus one companion travel has been welcomed by the mobility impaired community.

'We are looking forward to supporting them to give our bus services a go,” Jen says.

Visit baybus.co.nz for FAQs and further information.