Need a bus?

You can download the Orbus On Demand app for free to book your Orbus On Demand travel

Orbus On Demand is a bookable rideshare service for Mosgiel, Wingatui, East Taieri and Kinmont.  

As a corner-to-corner rideshare service you will need to walk to and from your pick-up and drop-off location. The Orbus On Demand app will be the best way to book and manage your trips. The app will use smart technology to direct you to the shortest walking route. Rideshare means you may share your trip with other customers travelling from the same direction.  

Through the app you can repeat common trips and update or cancel bookings. It will notify you when the driver is on the way and has arrived to pick you up. The app has many other features to make booking easy. The app and its user guide will be available before the service launches so you can get set up and ready to go. We will keep you updated on this page when these are available. 

If you can’t or don’t want to use the app, you will be able to book Orbus On Demand by phoning our friendly customer services team, but notifications and updates will not be available on phone bookings. We encourage you to use the app if you can for the best experience. 

We will keep you updated as Orbus prepares for the changeover. 

How will Orbus On Demand work?

  1. Let us know where you want to go and when
    There is no fixed route or timetable. Instead, there are nearly 100 pick-up and drop-off points you walk to/from when using the on demand bus.   
  2. Book your ride
    Book your travel 30 minutes or up to seven days in advance. If booking over the phone, you’ll need to ring during our Orbus Customer Services hours – see Phone Bookings.
  3. Get to your pick-up point
    To ensure an easy journey for everyone, you must be at your pick-up point before your ride arrives. You may share your journey with others as this is a rideshare service.
  4. Pay with your Bee Card or cash
    Tag on and off with your Bee Card or pay with cash. Paying for others?  You can use your Bee Card or cash to pay for others to travel with you.  Standard Dunedin bus fares and concessions apply.

Where can I use Orbus On Demand?

You will be able to use Orbus On Demand anywhere in the service area shown on the map, which includes: 

  • Mosgiel 
  • Wingatui 
  • East Taieri  
  • Kinmont 

When can I use Orbus On Demand?

Starting Monday 30 June 2025 

Orbus On Demand will be available: 
Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. 

The service will not operate on public holidays. 

How can I book my bus?

There will be two easy ways to book your Orbus On Demand trip:

Don't forget to bring your Bee Card or cash. Tag on and off or pay with cash.

All standard Dunedin bus fares and concessions apply. 

Using the Orbus On Demand app

Using the app will streamline the booking process provides service notifications direct to you and is super simple. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play store!  Download it and have a look before the Service launch date on 30 June 2025.

Setting up your app

  • Download the Orbus On Demand from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  • Set up your user profile and accessibility needs. 
  • No payment required in the app. 
  • Bring your Bee Card or cash. Tag on and off or pay with cash.
  • Standard Dunedin fares and concession apply.

Book over the phone

Not able to use the app?  No worries.

Call us on 0800 672 8736 and give your name, location and destination. Please note the hours for phone booking do not directly match the service hours – plan your trip and book ahead.

Our friendly customer service team will be available:

  • Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
  • Weekends and public holidays not available – please book in advance if using phone booking.

How do I pay for my ride?

Just like any other Orbus trip, you can pay on the bus with your Bee Card or cash. All standard Dunedin bus fares and concessions apply. 

Commonly asked questions

Every trip on Orbus On Demand is carbon neutral and could be one more car off the road. 

Download the free Orbus On Demand app

The Orbus On Demand app is free to download from Apple and Google, and you will be able to make your first booking starting 30 June 2025.

Want to know more?

Come to a drop in session

Come along to ask questions about the on demand service and see how the app works at one of our drop-ins.

Drop by the Mosgiel Library on any of the following dates, anytime between the times listed: 

  • Thursday, 19 June, 10am-12pm
  • Thursday, 19 June, 1-3pm 
  • Thursday, 26 June, 10am-12pm 
  • Saturday, 28 June, 10am-12pm 

Our team will tell you more about the service and show you how it works, including how to download and use the Orbus On Demand app, which is your best way to book your ride. They’ll answer any of your questions about the service, including how to book if you can’t use the app. 

How can I give feedback on Orbus On Demand?

Your feedback is invaluable to us – we welcome all feedback to help us make Orbus On Demand work as smoothly as possible for our customers. 
You can share your feedback by: 

  • Calling Orbus Customer Services on 0800 ORBUSDN (0800 672 8736) Monday to Friday 8am -5pm. 
  • Emailing us at transport@orc.govt.nz 
  • Providing feedback through the Orbus On Demand app. After reaching your destination you may be prompted to rate your ride, and you can leave comments or suggestions. 

Orbus On Demand is a permanent service, managed by Otago Regional Council. The buses are owned and maintained by our transport contractors Go Bus, while Liftango provides the app. 

The area serviced by Orbus On Demand is based on where essential amenities are located (such as shopping, medical and centres) and the area’s layout.