Community transport is a not-for-profit transport service funded and operated by local organisations to improve transport access in areas where traditional public transport, such as fixed-route and on-demand services, is not feasible. A non-profit community vehicle trust usually coordinates volunteers to drive people to destinations such as health services and social and community events.

It connects people with essential services, reduces isolation and strengthens community ties, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

ORC would monitor the trial to better understand Ōamaru’s transport needs and test the viability of bringing community transport to other Otago towns.

If approved, ORC would look to begin the six-month trial at the end of October this year, with a funding contribution of $25,000.

ORC’s General Manager Regional Planning and Transport Anita Dawe says ORC is committed to improving regional connectivity, as outlined in the Otago Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035 (RPTP).

“Ōamaru is a good place to start this trial given the exceptional community support and good structures in place to enable straightforward implementation. Our staff have been working alongside the Ōamaru community over the past few months and their enthusiasm and co-ordination has enabled us to be here asking for Council approval,” says Ms Dawe.

The Ōamaru Affordable Bus Steering Committee has been formed to organise volunteer drivers to make return trips between Ōamaru and Palmerston three days a week by connecting with Orbus’s Palmerston-Dunedin service.

A report will be presented to ORC’s council meeting this Wednesday, 24 September suggesting two options.

“One option is not to support a community transport trial in Ōamaru, and the second option is to support a trial,” says Ms Dawe. “If the Council supports the proposal, staff will continue to work with the steering committee to implement the trial.”

“If the Council doesn’t support the proposal, staff will undertake further work to determine how its RPTP priorities and actions around regional connectivity and actions will be progressed.”

The staff recommendation is to support the trial, including the ability to design it to deliver what the community needs including, if there is demand, an around town service.

“Staff are recommending that the community transport trial brings people to destinations, including within Oamaru, between Oamaru and Dunedin, or between Oamaru and other towns in Otago and Canterbury. This approach would provide people with more freedom to travel where they want, rather than being limited by a specific route and timetable.”

The report and full agenda are available at www.orc.govt.nz/councilagenda