At this week’s meeting, the Council noted ORC has undertaken significant work to understand the community transport landscape in Otago and gather the views of communities through consultation on the Regional Public Transport Plan last year, alongside some other research.

It also noted the value of supporting communities to deliver community transport services.

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 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.

Community transport can connect people with essential services, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. It is currently well supported in Waikato and Canterbury to meet local transport needs. ORC is supporting a community transport trial in Ōamaru which ends in October this year.

Development of a framework will help identify, assess, prioritise and fund proposals and guide decision-making in a structured, consistent and fair way.

ORC’s Transport Portfolio Co-lead Cr Alan Somerville says, “Community transport is a valuable part of transport services in a region. It’s great that ORC is supporting this policy because community transport makes a real difference to people’s lives. Different types of shared transport have benefits including removing private vehicles from roads to reduce carbon emissions, making roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists and making the driving experience better for people who need to continue using their car.

Enhancing regional connectivity and community transport are key priorities in ORC’s Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035. Community transport received overwhelming community support during consultation on the plan.