Older buses back on the road in Dunedin and Queenstown

New meal break legislation is the cause for older buses with no bike racks operating in Dunedin, the Otago Regional Council says.

Rules took effect this week which meant most workers required 10 minute breaks every two hours and 30 minute breaks every four hours.

This resulted in the cancellation of 39 Auckland bus services.

Otago Regional Council transport manager Gerard Collings said "at this stage" it was not anticipating needing to cut any services in Dunedin or Queenstown.

However, the legislation meant operators were "under pressure" to minimise disruption to passengers.

The initial rescheduling of buses by one of the operators resulted in the need for additional fleet, he said.

Because of this, Ritchies has been using two older buses in Dunedin, and one in Queenstown.

"It is our understanding that the buses do not meet our requirements in terms of the age of the vehicles, the lack of bike racks, and signage.

"The buses meet all roadworthiness and safety standards."

The operator was able to analyse its systems and the temporary buses would be removed from tomorrow, he said.

"We recognise the temporary buses used were not fully compliant with our requirements, but in agreement with the operator, the use of the vehicles was deemed more appropriate than having to cut services."

The council was pleased both of its bus operators worked constructively with it to ensure drivers could take necessary breaks without any reduction in timetabled services.

"We once again apologise for any inconvenience caused to the community."

Bus Users' Support Group Otepoti Dunedin co-president Alex King said it was "disappointing" buses below normal standards were being used.

"I, personally, do use bike racks so it's less than ideal. To certain people it's going to be a huge inconvenience."

However, most users would prefer old buses over none, he said.