Welcome to On Board with Orbus,
your source of news and information about Dunedin and
Queenstown's bus network and the Bee Card 🐝🚍
 

A bit about COVID


This last week has reminded us that COVID can still impact our daily life here in Otago quite suddenly.  

It's a reminder of how important it is to track your travel. We recommend the government COVID tracker app so you can scan QR codes on buses (as well as everywhere else). Some buses have these high on poles to give you more options. 

Did you know you can scan the QR code from quite a distance? If you’re unable to scan a code, open the COVID app and add a manual entry.

Using the COVID tracker app is the most efficient and fastest way for the government to see where you've travelled if they suddenly need to.
Public transport requirements change in different alert levels, as safety is ramped up.  When the public transport team at the Otago Regional Council hear the news from the Minister, we act as fast as possible to let passengers know what is happening. We do this first by updating Facebook and our website, even if it's not during usual business hours. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency also send us updates so we are always following the latest government advice. We work quickly with our bus operators to make any necessary changes. 

Facebook, our website or My Little Local, where we have a dedicated Orbus button under Transport, are the best platforms to get up to date Orbus information, while the government COVID website is good for general national information. 
 

On Monday 1 March, we will start fare collection for SuperGold Card holders during peak travel. The peak travel fare with a SuperGold loaded Bee Card will be $2 per adult one-way in Queenstown and Dunedin (while the $2 interim fare is still in operation). Read about times and fares here
If you know someone with a SuperGold Card who is finding it difficult to register, please pass the message on that they can call us on 0800 474 082 or help them get registered at www.BeeCard.co.nz

 
Alert Level information
Face coverings are mandatory in any COVID New Zealand alert level above 1, so please be ready for any changes to the alert levels. This time around physical distancing has not been mandatory in regions outside of Auckland, but in alert level 3 it will become mandatory in Otago. Still, where possible, in any alert level above 1, please try to sit alone and next to the window unless of course you're travelling with someone. Keep a distance at bus stops.
Read more about face coverings and other COVID Orbus FAQs here.  
A big thank you to passengers for wearing their masks, and to our drivers for their essential work.
 
Catch the number 3 in Dunedin?
We are proposing to change the route to go along Victoria Road and Culling Street, both ways (as shown by the dotted line) in the Tanui/St Kilda area. It would mean fewer buses on residential streets and better access for sports venues and accommodation providers on Victoria Road. School students at Musselburgh, Tainui and Tahuna Normal Intermediate will still have good access to the buses. Click here to have your say before 1 March.  
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