Public transport across the country has faced immense challenges over the past few years —from the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic to a nationwide driver shortage.

Co-chair of ORC’s Public and Active Transport Committee Andrew Noone says, “Despite these challenges, ORC has remained committed to providing a public transport system that improves accessibility and connectivity in our communities. Over the past three years, we’ve backed that commitment with significant public transport investments.”

These include rolling out 13 electric buses in Dunedin, replacing underperforming bus routes in Mosgiel with an on-demand electric bus service, adjusting routes and timetables in Dunedin, Mosgiel and Queenstown to better suit people’s travel needs, increasing accessibility in Dunedin by installing 60 electronic signs at bus stops that provide real-time journey information, adopting the 2024 mid-term review Otago Southland Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031 and the Otago Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035, and completing two business cases requesting central government funding for public transport investments in Dunedin and Queenstown.

“With more investments on the way, the future of public transport in Otago is looking bright,” says Cr Noone.

“These investments have provided Otago residents with more flexible travel options, driving record-breaking growth in bus patronage across our Dunedin and Queenstown networks. In the 2021 – 2022 financial year, patronage reached 3.2 million. The following year, it increased by 28% to 4.1 million, and in 2023 - 2024 it rose an additional 29% to reach 5.3 million. While growth continued into 2024 - 2025, the pace slowed, with patronage increasing 4% to reach 5.5 million.”

In 2024 - 2025, patronage in Otago was 28% higher than in Waikato and 47% higher than in Bay of Plenty — despite Otago having a significantly smaller population.

“When compared with other medium-sized regions, Otago stands out in its performance,” says Cr Noone.  
Additionally, annual patronage for Total Mobility, a door-to-door transport service for people with limited or reduced mobility who cannot easily use typical public transport, increased 15% from 123,388 in 2022 - 2023 to 142,312 in 2023 - 2024.

“Despite these successes, we recognise there is more work to be done, as not everyone in Otago is adequately served by public transport. To improve accessibility and connectivity across our communities, we’re hoping to launch or investigate several initiatives over the next three years.

These include improving the convenience of Queenstown ferry services, investing in bus stop infrastructure in Dunedin, continuing to explore public transport options in Ōamaru, and launching a contactless fare payment system (Motu Move) to give passengers a faster, easier way to pay for public transport.

A report on the triennium highlights will be presented to the Public and Active Transport Committee tomorrow, Wednesday 3 September.