Route and timetable changes to the Dunedin bus network have taken effect.
Otago Regional Council support services manager Gerard Collings said the changes were part of a "fundamental shift" in the council’s approach to public transport in Otago.
From Monday, buses would follow the same routes on weekdays, evenings, weekends and public holidays, he said.
The routes would be more straightforward, with minimal variations.
Bike racks would be available on urban services.
Many services would have significantly increased frequency.
The "ridge runner" connector service would link South Dunedin - on the corner of Andersons Bay and Hillside Rds - to the campus, via The Glen, Mornington, Roslyn, Maori Hill and the Gardens, he said.
From today until April next year, technology changes would be rolled out including free Wi-Fi on all urban buses.
Real time information on when a bus was due to arrive would be available on mobile phones and allow passengers to live-track the location of the next bus.
A new "tag-on tag-off" ticketing system would enable passengers to "top up" bus fare credit online, he said.
