Otago Regional Council (ORC) Public Transport Portfolio Co-lead Councillor Alan Somerville said the decision to not increase the fare when traveling to the second bus zone would minimise disruption and provide support to passengers.

Almost 99% of the existing Dunedin network currently falls into Zone 1, with a small number of outlying areas such as Karitane, Waikouaiti and Palmerston falling into Zone 2.

However, he emphasized it would be a temporary measure until early next year when child/youth fare options would be reconsidered as part of the Long Term Plan 2027 – 37 process.

"We hope keeping the child and youth fare at $1.50 for now will attract young people to use the bus service more. It will make it easier for them to access schools, sports and other activities,” Cr Somerville said.

He added that it was not likely to have a significant negative financial effect for the Council.

Council also approved that those with community services card concessions would pay a fare of $2 for two zone travel from November 1. The normal adult fare will be $4 for two zones from November 1.

The fare structure decision for children and youth was made at the Council meeting held yesterday (7 October) and follows from Council’s recent announcement regarding changes to fares, zones and routes at the Council Meeting on September 23, aimed to improve reliability, connections, and travel times.

This decision and the new zones and fares will come into effect by 1 November 2026.

More information about bus changes is available at orc.govt.nz