In September 2025, the Otago Regional Council voted to support a community transport trail in Ōamaru. After a very successful trial the Otago Regional Council voted to begin a once-a-day public transport service between Ōamaru and Dunedin from October 2026.
Trevor Goodin was a key member of the community supporting the initial Ōamaru - Dunedin shuttle service, as both volunteer driver and advocate for local public transport, and his support for this service was an essential part of getting North Otago transport to this stage.
People along the Waikouaiti Coast and in the Ōamaru area can use the expanded Route 1 Orbus services from 1 October 2026. View the timetables below.
Community transport trial going ahead in Ōamaru
Otago Regional Council will be supporting a community transport trial in Ōamaru.
Community transport trial supported by Ōamaru people
More than 600 passengers have used the Ōamaru community transport trial since it began in November 2025, Otago Regional Councillors heard at their meeting today.
Ōamaru community transport trial extended
Otago Regional Council is supporting extending the community transport trial in Ōamaru until October 2026 by six months.
ORC seeks feedback on proposed Ōamaru-Dunedin bus service
Otago Regional Council is considering running a once-a-day public transport service between Ōamaru and Dunedin.
Ōamaru-Dunedin public transport service approved
Otago Regional Council will begin a once-a-day public transport service between Ōamaru and Dunedin from October this year. It will be operated by Go Bus on full-size buses.
