Dunedin's two double-decker buses have been doubly decked - by retirement and mechanical failure.
Citibus, which is owned by the Dunedin City Council through Dunedin City Holdings, was yet to replace its 1976 Bristol double-decker, since its retirement in March last year.
General manager Tony Collins said the company had been looking for a replacement overseas, but tougher regulations had resulted in the search being now restricted to New Zealand.
"We are still actively scouring."
Citibus operated only one bus during the busy cruise ship season, but a gearbox failure while driving up Rattray St, resulted in the company's 1981 Bristol double-decker being withdrawn from service in late February.
Mr Collins said the company was confident the double-decker would be on the road again by next week.
The breakdown illustrated the importance of operating another back-up bus on the route, and for the company to obtain a bus in good going order, he said.
"We work the buses very hard and they have to be able to handle the hills."
Mr Collins said he was confident of sourcing a new double-decker bus by next cruise ship season, which starts in October.
