Welcome to On Board with Orbus, your source of news and information about Dunedin and Queenstown's bus networks and the Bee Card 🐝🚍
 
Everything you need to know about our e-bus in Dunedin, changes to stops in Queenstown, FREE Travel this Saturday, and a reminder about transit, helping you never miss a bus again!
Dunedin has its first electric bus!


The e-Bus joins the Orbus Dunedin fleet this October on select routes to see how the bus handles the hills and highway and to give drivers and passengers a chance to check it out. 

The electric bus trial, a collaboration between the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Go Bus Transport, will rotate the #8 (St Clair to Normanby), #44 (St Kilda to Halfway Bush), #55 (St Kilda to Brockville), and the #77 (Mosgiel to City).

The Enviroline 35-seater bus was made in the South Island by Global Bus Ventures.


Why are e-buses so
much better!?


Check more benefits below or click here for more info. 
Why isn't the e-bus coming to Queenstown?

The e-Bus trial is a partnership with Otago Regional Council and Go Bus Transport. Go Bus operates on the Orbus network in Dunedin, but not in Queenstown, so for now the bus will stay in Dunedin. 

However, when e-buses start to join the Orbus fleet permanently, we'll see them in Queenstown too! 

When might we get more e-buses?

Any changes to the fleet will be made on a gradual basis, working with bus operators to ensure sustainable charging infrastructure and operational requirements are met. Crucially, the government mandate is that only zero-emission public transport buses be purchased from 2025, targeting the decarbonisation of the national public transport bus fleet by 2035.

 
Changes to stops in Lake Hayes Estate and Arrowtown
  
If you're in Queenstown, and you catch the number 5, Queenstown Lakes District Council would like to hear from you. We are working with QLDC on looking after stop infrastructure relative to the bus network here. QLDC are running the consultation, and you can give your feedback by checking out the Let's Talk page here before November 5th. 
To help more Kiwis get vaccinated, Orbus is offering FREE BUS TRAVEL in Dunedin and Queenstown to every passenger this Super Saturday the 16th.
No need to tag on, just hop on board with your mask to go to your preferred vaccination centre. 
If you've already been vaccinated, enjoy a free ride on us to say thanks 💕 Read more about Super Saturday here. Spread the word! 
 

Have you tried Transit?
The free-to-download app for Android and iPhone will find your location and nearest bus stop, whether you're in Queenstown or Dunedin, and display arrival times of the next services, in REAL TIME. Download it here
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