On Board with Orbus - September 2023

📢Welcome to our September edition, which includes a reminder to give us your feedback on the future of public transport in Queenstown, plus some updates for our Dunedin passengers.

If you have any feedback on what you'd like to include, please email comms@orc.govt.nz.

Queenstown Public Transport Business Case consultation

Don’t miss your chance to have your say on the future of public transport in the Whakatipu Basin!

Together with our Way to Go partner agencies — Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency — Otago Regional Council (ORC) is developing the Queenstown Public Transport Business Case for change in bus and ferry services. It will also look at how to decarbonise public transport.

So, what does the future of Queenstown's public transport look like to you? If you need it, you can find more information on the Queenstown Public Transport Business Case (QTPTBC) here.

Give us your feedback on proposed public transport options to help with future public transport investment decisions for the Queenstown area over the next 15 years. An online feedback form is available now until 11.59pm Monday, 2 October.

Come along to chat with our team on Saturday, 30 September, between 9am and 2pm at the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, Level 3 Bradley Building, 19 Rees St, Queenstown CBD.

What are the next steps?

Your feedback will help us shape a final report. This is a critical stage in making decisions that will affect transport in Queenstown for years to come.

Following the feedback period between 18 September and 2 October, we expect to provide a summary of what you told us in November 2023. Final decisions will be made in early 2024.

Mosgiel Express update

Week one of the Mosgiel Express was a great success, with a 30% increase in the number of passengers catching the Route 77 and 78 buses.  

Give it a go!
If you live in Mosgiel and are thinking of trying this service out, head to the Mosgiel Terminus. The bus will then stop at the clocktower in Mosgiel before heading non-stop to the Bus Hub. It reverses the journey in the afternoon, leaving from bus stop H. 

Do you have feedback?

If you are using Route 77 or the new Route 78 (Mosgiel Express), let us know your experience! Give us your feedback via transport@orc.govt.nz.

Weekday peak-time service 

This service runs in weekday peak time, which covers rush hours in the morning (6.30am–9am) and afternoon (3pm–6.30pm).  

Mornings  

• The service departs Mosgiel Terminus at 7.15am, 7.45am and 8.15am, stops to collect passengers at the Mosgiel Clocktower and then travels direct to the Dunedin Bus Hub (Stop H).  

• Does not stop on Princes Street.

Afternoons 

• The service departs the Dunedin Bus Hub (Stop H) every 30 minutes from 3.30pm until 6pm. It travels direct to Mosgiel Clocktower and Mosgiel Terminus. 

• Does not stop on Princes Street.

View the Mosgiel to City Express timetable.

Construction work at the Dunedin Bus Hub

You may have noticed a bit of building work very close to the Dunedin Bus Hub over the past weeks. 

The construction is to build a new Pacific Radiology development in the space next door to the Farmers store. The building will be completed toward the end of 2024. 

Impact to bus shelters 

Next year, the existing bus shelters that sit next door to the old car park will be removed permanently and replaced by canopies. The new canopy shelters will be cantilevered onto the new frontage towards the end of 2024. 

This should not impact your experience as you wait for buses. The Bus Hub is continuing to operate as normal throughout the construction period. 

The bus shelters that are being removed are destined for use elsewhere, so keep an eye out for them around the city. 

Big delays to buses ongoing due to roadworks and peak travel

⚠️ Heads up passengers — there are 15–20-minute delays to buses during peak times in both Dunedin and Queenstown. To find out if your bus is cancelled or delayed, go to: www.orc.govt.nz/public-transport.

A free phone number is also available:

Phone 0800 672 8736 for Dunedin information.
Phone 0800 672 8778 for Queenstown information.