Public transport systems need to be more ambitious and flexible, Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins has told the Otago Regional Council.
Mr Hawkins and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult this month renewed a call for fundamental changes to public bus services, advocating "full integration".
Frustrations have been expressed before about the city council managing roads and planning for growth, but not having control of bus services.
Mr Hawkins presented the city council’s submission on the ORC’s annual plan yesterday.
There did not appear to be a united appetite for shifting public transport governance from the regional council, but the two local councils wanted to explore avenues for greater input, he said.
He also suggested bringing child bus fares down from $1.20 to $1 and into line with the concession received by adults who have a Community Services Card.
Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Mike Theelen said there was strong demand for enhanced public transport across the Wakatipu Basin.
The district council was disappointed a proposed trial of public transport in Upper Clutha was defunded, he said.
