Increased patronage resulting from lower fares could put pressure on Otago bus services if some drivers are off ill.
One of the companies that serves Dunedin for the Otago Regional Council, Go Bus Transport, has expressed confidence it can meet an expected rise in passenger numbers after the halving of public transport fares from April for three months.
However, driver illness could complicate matters, Go Bus Transport director Russell Turnbull said.
"We are currently operating the full timetable, but the challenge of operating within the current Omicron challenge is not easy and we are very vulnerable to even a small increase in the number of drivers becoming unwell."
Dropping the adult Bee Card bus fare from $2 to $1 would encourage people to trial services, he said.
"There would certainly be points of pressure, such as on the Mosgiel service, where a $1 adult fare would be an amazingly cheap price for such a long-distance journey, and we could have difficulties meeting a surge in patronage on this route, at this time."
Mr Turnbull said meeting demand relied on availability of drivers and vehicles.
The Government this week announced it would reduce fuel excise duty and road user charges by 25 cents a litre for three months, as well as halving public transport fares.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this was because of a "global energy crisis" unleashed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Bus Users Support Group Otepoti co-president Alex King said the half-price fares would be a boon for passengers.
"We welcome the Government’s moves and this shows how we can cope with increasingly unaffordable petrol," Mr King said.
He also believed the buses had capacity to take more passengers without too many problems.
However, there had been a long-term problem with the bus companies, Ritchies and Go Bus, cancelling some services at the last minute.
"For a really successful outcome from the half-price fares, there needs to be an end to last-minute service cancellations."
Changes related to school pupils have also disrupted services this year.
The Otago Regional Council said it was working beside contractors to plan for reduced bus fares.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said affordability was not the only barrier for people wanting to use the bus service, but it was a concern for some.
Fares at just $2 had made a big difference in affordability and the cut from April 1 would again make buses more attractive .
"This is as much about cutting the cost of living for existing users."
