Push to get students on the buses

OUSA president Ruby Sycamore-Smith (21) holds some of the thousands of Go Bus cards being placed in packs for first-year students during a volunteer working bee on campus this week, ahead of Orientation, which starts on Monday. Photo by Brenda Harwood.

In a joint project between Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and the Otago Regional Council (ORC), about 4200 bus-user GoCards will be distributed to first-year university students next week in their Orientation packs.

A further 2000 GoCards will be available to first-year students at Otago Polytechnic and Aoraki Polytechnic.

During a trial period, running from February 17 to April 30, all students with a GoCard and valid ID will get a 25% discount off bus fares.

The scheme, which is open to all students at Otago University, Otago Polytechnic and Aoraki Polytechnic, is aimed at encouraging more students to make use of public transport.

''It's going to be a case of use it or lose it,'' Otago University Students Association president Ruby Sycamore-Smith said.

While university first years should receive the GoCards automatically, others will be available through Otago Polytechnic Students Association and to Aoraki Polytechnic students through the OUSA office.

Students can also buy GoCards for $5 through the Dunedin City Council, ORC, and the University Book Shop.