The Otago Regional Council decided yesterday it would approve a seven-day-a-week service between Oamaru and Dunedin.
The service would start on October 1 and would be run by GoBus.
As well as supporting Oamaru, the service would also serve intermediate centres such as Maheno and Hampden, as well as the existing areas served by the Palmerston bus such as Palmerston, Waikouaiti and Waitati.
Departure would be about 8.20am from north Oamaru, and in the afternoon at about 5.05pm from Dunedin.
There was a suggestion from council chairwoman Hilary Calvert to just have the service for five days a week but it was decided to go all-in and have seven days.
Council transport planner Jack Cowie said there was not a lot of difference financially between running the bus five days a week and running it daily.
He said patronage on Saturday buses was similar to any other weekday, but there was a slight drop off in patronage on Sundays.
In response to local transport needs, the Oamaru Affordable Bus Steering Committee had established a community-led shuttle trial connecting Oamaru to the Palmerston-Dunedin bus service. The trial started in November last year and was due to conclude at the end of September this year.
One of the members of the steering committee, Trevor Goodin, spoke in yesterday’s public forum and said the shuttle was very much appreciated in Oamaru. It allowed people to travel to Dunedin for health appointments and gave younger people independence to go to the city.
Council deputy chairman Kevin Malcolm, of Waitaki, said it was a shot in the arm for public transport in North Otago to get the bus service. North Otago ratepayers had been paying public transport rates but not enjoying anything for them.
He was keen for people from Dunedin to head north and use the service. With one eye on future amalgamation, he said it showed North Otago was part of Otago.
He said the service had the backing of Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale and other Waitaki councillors.
‘‘Let’s give it a crack,’’ he said.
Cr Kate Wilson said it was good news for Oamaru to get the service but it was now up to them to use it. It was a use it or lose it scenario.
The bus would cost $100,000 to operate. The cost was helped by the bus being able to be used in the Dunedin bus system during the day and then head to Oamaru at the end of the day.
A survey received nearly 1500 responses and the feedback was very supportive, emphasising the need for affordable, convenient and safe transport between Oamaru and Dunedin.
Oamaru-Dunedin service details
Once daily return service seven days a week.
Leaves North Oamaru at 8.20am. Leaves Dunedin at 5.05pm. The 5.05pm trip to Palmerston changes to 6pm.
The Oamaru route runs via Eden Street and South Hill.
Stops in Maheno, Hampden, Palmerston and Waikouaiti Maheno, Hampden, Palmerston and Waikouaiti (and possibly Herbert).
On weekdays, Route 1 won’t divert into Karitane and Warrington to improve running time.
