The Ōamaru trial is the Council’s first entry into community transport, which is a not-for-profit transport service funded and operated by local organisations to improve transport access in areas where traditional public transport is not feasible.

At today’s council meeting, councillors voted to extend the trial beyond the original six-month trial, with a further funding contribution of up to $25,000. ORC contributed $25,000 when the trial started in November last year. The trial will be now end on 30 September 2026.

The trial has included direct services to Dunedin, as well as connecting to the Orbus network in Palmerston three days a week. In practice, it is responding to community feedback and adjusting its service as required.

ORC’s deputy chairperson Cr Kevin Malcolm thanked the Ōamaru and Waitaki community for bringing to Council the proposition to extend the trial and for trying their best to establish a link between Ōamaru and Dunedin.

“It’s critical to have this service and we have to recognise those in the community that need this assistance.”

ORC’s Transport Portfolio Co-lead Cr Alan Somerville says, “Now that this trial has started, it’s important it is continued until we come up with a permanent solution. Later this year the Council will look a long-term solution to public transport between Dunedin and Ōamaru. We heard from two speakers during the public forum about how valuable this is for individual community members and that patronage is growing. It is worthwhile for ORC to support extension of the trial.”

This trial connecting Ōamaru and other areas has been well supported by Ōamaru people, with 210 people making 136 trips in its first four months. It fits our aspirations to create better public transport connections across Otago and we’re looking forward to continuing working with the Ōamaru community to make the most of the remainder of this trial.”

Cr Somerville noted the trial would not have been possible without the support of the Ōamaru Community Shuttle Steering Group. Its members have played a significant and critical role, including organising volunteer drivers who take people to their desired location. So far, volunteers have contributed more than 1300 hours to the trial.

A full evaluation of the trial, including potential demand and options for servicing Ōamaru in the future, will be presented to Council later this year.