The proposed double bus stop in Princes St is intended to prevent part of the Dowling St intersection being blocked if a bus needs to queue behind another.
Creating the extension would involve removing a kerb build-out, tree and lamppost, and shifting a bench and receptacles for rubbish and recycling.
Three motorcycle parks would also be removed.
The proposed changes were discussed at a Dunedin City Council parking hearing committee meeting yesterday.
The committee was told the bill could be as much as $25,000 and it would be covered by the Otago Regional Council.
This was of no comfort to city councillor Lee Vandervis, who signalled support for either a double bus stop nearer Moray Pl or a trial of this.
"It’s still the ratepayers paying to have the unnecessary removal of the only public amenity island and tree and lamp and rubbish bin and seat in that area of Princes St," he said.
"To spend a lot of ratepayers’ money to actually lose that kind of facility, to me, is just simply not acceptable."
Cr Vandervis was told by staff it was not the best time of year for a trial.
Hearing chairwoman and deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said it pained her that money might be spent to remove something previously installed at a cost, but she ended up supporting the proposed change, along with Cr Mandy Mayhem.
Cr Mayhem said she observed yesterday morning a bus having to wait at a green light at the Dowling St intersection, before pulling into the 138 Princes St stop once it was clear.
"And that is the issue, right?"
The committee endorsed the proposed change, but Cr Vandervis voted against.
Its recommendations will go before the full council.
A report for the committee said 138 Princes St was one of the most popular stops on the bus network. It was the busiest stop in the city for people disembarking.
In its submission, the Otago Regional Council said the existing configuration presented health and safety risks for drivers and passengers.
These included insufficient space for buses to stop safely without impeding traffic flow or loading or unloading passengers in close proximity to traffic.
The extension would also support the efficiency and reliability of bus services in the Princes St corridor, the regional council said.
A spokeswoman said the cost was estimated to be $25,000 or less, which was within the expected price range.
The committee also discussed proposed removal of four carparks in Rattray St, particularly one between exits of a car park.
Cr Vandervis said a district plan provision recommending clear sight lines of 69m out of a new parking lot exit was absurd.
"It’s simply not practical," he said.
