The Regional Public Transport Plan will guide how Otago Regional Council will invest time and money into public transport for the next ten years (2025-2035).

The plan aims to provide public transport solutions that are easy to understand and meet communities’ diverse needs. In short, public transport people want to use – more often. 

New government expectations mean that we have some tough choices to make.

We value access, transport options and the economic, health and environmental benefits that a convenient, reliable and efficient public transport system delivers for our communities. However, we are now required to recover a greater share of public transport operating costs from private sources. This means we need to increase things like passenger fares and advertising or decrease our spending on services, which would mean fewer buses or removing some routes. 

This is your opportunity to have your say on the plan's five focus areas for public transport including:  

1. Passenger experience: Provide public transport services that respect the safety and wellbeing of all passengers.

2. Build trust: Ensure public transport projects align with community priorities.

3. Environmental sustainability: Invest in a public transport system that promotes positive outcomes regarding greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants and land use.

4. A connected and integrated network: Provide a reliable and convenient public transport system.

5. Value for money: Provide public transport services that are good value for money. 

We’d like to hear your thoughts on any other parts of the plan too. 

24 March: Feedback begins

25 March—16 April: In-person consultation sessions

2 May: Feedback closes

12—16 May: In-person and online hearings. Opportunity to tell our elected members more about your feedback

19—30 May: Council considers feedback

June/July: Council considers adopting the plan