ORC’s Transport Portfolio Co-lead Cr Alan Somerville says public transport provides a reliable, affordable and fuel efficient way for people to get to work, school, healthcare and daily activities, without the ongoing costs of fuel, parking and vehicle wear and tear.

“In Dunedin and Queenstown, an Orbus adult bus fare with a Bee Card is $2.50 which is cheaper than a litre of petrol. This is a big saving in transport costs, especially for people travelling from outlying areas like Mosgiel, Brighton, Palmerston, Portobello or Arrowtown. Travelling by bus reduces expenses for fuel, parking and vehicle wear and tear. As well as helping people save money, it reduces congestion and avoids parking hassles,” says Cr Somerville.

With regular services, flat fares, and great connectivity between suburbs, more people are choosing to leave the car at home. For the week beginning Monday 16 March, Dunedin recorded its highest weekly patronage of the year so far, also 4% higher than the same period in 2025. On Wednesday 18 March, the highest patronage day of 2026, 14,935 passengers travelled on Dunedin buses.

Patronage continues to increase in Queenstown – from July to December last year it rose by 6% to 1,031,075 trips.

“As people plan how they travel in the coming weeks, we encourage them to consider public transport as part of their daily route and experience the benefits of easier, more affordable travel. It not only saves them money, it helps strengthen the resilience of our transport system for everyone.”

ORC delivers urban public transport services via Orbus, providing vital connections across Dunedin and Queenstown. In Dunedin, there has been a large investment in more energy efficient transport. By October this year, 61 out of Dunedin’s 79 buses, or 77%, will be electric.

Visit www.orc.govt.nz/orbus for more information on routes, fares and timetables.