Otago Regional Council is considering running a once-a-day public transport service between Ōamaru and Dunedin.

ORC’s Transport Portfolio Co-lead Cr Alan Somerville says, “We’re surveying Ōamaru and Dunedin people from today to help the Council gauge potential demand and preferences such as departure times.”

“Unlike the community shuttle trial operating between Ōamaru and Dunedin until 30 September, the public transport service we're considering would be operated by Orbus on full-size buses.”

Cr Somerville says people are using the community transport shuttle for social or recreational activities, shopping and medical appointments. “We would like to know if people would use a new public transport service for the same or different reasons such as commuting between Ōamaru and Dunedin for work.”

“We’re asking people how much they would be prepared to pay for this longer journey to inform fare analysis work currently underway. Concessions will apply in the usual way for any future service.”

ORC is also asking people where their bus journey would begin and end to understand the needs of smaller communities between Ōamaru and Dunedin, such as Maheno, Herbert and Hampden.

The survey closes on 6 May and is available at www.orc.govt.nz/dosurvey

The Council will consider the proposal at its meeting on 24 June. If the new service is approved, it could begin before the end of 2026.

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