Passengers in Port Chalmers are being urged to arrive early at their usual bus stops today, to avoid battling passengers from two cruise ships for a seat.
Norwegian Spirit and Pacific Explorer — capable of carrying more than 4000 passengers — are expected to arrive at 7.30am and 8am respectively, this morning.
Otago Regional Council interim transport manager Doug Rodgers said it was expected to cause "peak demand" for public transport from the port to the Dunedin City centre.
"We have arranged additional buses and been out to Port Chalmers to put up posters encouraging cruise ship passengers to give priority to elderly, children and school students.
"It’s going to be a busy day.
"We recommend arriving earlier than usual please."
Mr Rodgers said it was an ongoing "challenge" for the service to and from Port Chalmers.
"The number of cruise ship passengers using the public transport service, rather than the transport arranged by cruise ship operators, is high.
"The cost differential appears to be significant between the public service and services arranged by the cruise ship operators.
"Whilst our operator is endeavouring to meet demand, this will continue to be a problem for the rest of the cruise ship season, while public transport is rebuilding."
