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Dunedinites will follow in Queenstown’s footsteps in paying a $2 flat fare for bus trips.

The Otago Regional Council yesterday voted to adopt a flat-fare structure, following the move from the Covid-19 free-fare services to the new Bee Card ticketing system.

Marian Hobbs
Marian Hobbs. Photo: ODT files
The system will be introduced, subject to public consultation, as a short-term trial within Dunedin’s public bus network.

ORC chairwoman Marian Hobbs said she was pleased with the decision.

‘‘I am delighted about this move on our fares and with the Bee Card because this is one step towards lowering climate change emissions.’’

Cr Michael Deaker said the new structure would be positive for social equity, climate change, the Dunedin City Council’s street network and in light of the city’s hospital rebuild.

Many elements were affecting how people moved around the city, and making buses more accessible would help that, he said.

On all trips, adults will pay $2 and children $1.50 when using a Bee Card, and cash fares will cost $3.

SuperGold card holders will be able to travel for free at all times, and the Queenstown airport $10 cash fare will be reduced to $4.

In order to amend its regional public transport plan, the ORC will consult the public next month, with the aim of introducing the new fares in July.

 

Comments

How much will this cost? I also want to add that the buses used in Dunedin are NOT positive or good for climate change or the environment, infact they are very harmful. They are also a health danger due to their toxic fumes and a danger to other road users due to an inability to keep within the white lines on many of our twisty roads. Buses will only have a positive effect If enough people use them instead of other forms of polluting transport. Which is not the same as more people riding on them. It is disappointing that the council continues trying to fix a poor outdated system instead of investing in a modern system for the future.

So if you have to change buses to get to your destination, does that mean you have to pay twice, like every time you change buses?
"with the Bee Card because this is one step towards lowering climate change emissions." How? I do not understand that!
Great for gold carders not having to rush for the 3:00 deadline

This is great news and long overdue. It takes one user vehicles off the road. It gets people walking, talking, observing, shopping. It gets kids going to school on their own without mum & Dad or grandparents driving the car x 2/day and hopefully making kids streetwise and fit. Agree Pat, the buses should be less polluting, smaller EVs would suit Dunedin's topography. So it is indeed "one step towards lowering climate change emissions". It's also fun! Catch up on Wifi, chat with mates, meet new people. Well done ORC for making the right decision for Dunedin.

 

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