The volunteer-run trial, which runs from Oamaru to Dunedin and Palmerston, recently received a further $25,000 from the Otago Regional Council to extend the service by a further six months, so that a long-term solution can be found.
Finally able to rest after another long day of driving, Trevor Goodin, who helped set up the trial and the Oamaru Community Shuttle Steering Group, told the Oamaru Mail the service had “gone from strength to strength”.
Passenger numbers in March were almost double those in November, as word spread.
The group had also had feedback from other areas such as Waikouaiti asking if they could step in to provide a service there.
Mr Goodin said it had been a “big commitment” to ask drivers to keep going through the winter months, as part of the extension of the trial, but they had stepped up.
A lot of the shuttle’s passengers were older, often needing to go to hospital appointments, but there was a range of demographics on board, including families and young people who wanted a day out in the big city.
Volunteer and steering group member Caitriona Prunty said isolation and loneliness in rural areas were issues which the shuttle alleviated by connecting communities.
DRIVERS
Husband and wife team Ken and Sheryl Gray are two of the volunteer drivers with the service, and Mr Gray also volunteered as a call handler when he was unable to drive.
"It’s been lots of fun,” Mrs Gray said. The couple have ended up meeting lots of “lovely” – and appreciative –people by ferrying them around, added Mr Gray.
And they are glad to have helped the community out, with many people unable to get to Dunedin otherwise.
The service also gathers passenger comments, information which – alongside passenger numbers – will be provided to Otago Regional Council.
One passenger wrote: "Love the friendly volunteers, really appreciate them donating their time and energy. It makes my life a lot easier (and cheaper) at the moment as I have many appointments in Dunedin, often at short notice. Saturday services very useful too.”
Another commented: “The drivers were very nice. I really appreciate being able to get to Dunedin as I only have a scooter. If it was a permanent one I would definitely use it. The Intercity only leaves at lunchtime so I have to stay in a motel overnight if I have an important appointment or to get to the airport.”
One wrote: "Congratulations to the Shuttle Committee, volunteer drivers and admin staff for making this much-needed service happen on a six-month trial basis. A direct Orbus from Oamaru to Dunedin seven days a week would be wonderful with paid drivers, as this should be a public transport option that everyone from Oamaru to Palmerston can use."
“Great service. Hope it keeps going,” another wrote.
Another put it succinctly: “Best idea ever.”
A ‘PERMANENT’ SOLUTION
And the end goal?
Local government doing the job currently being done by volunteers, who hope that a public bus service will be on the cards at the end of the trial.
Councillors in Dunedin said they would look at a “permanent” solution later this year.
All eyes will be on the council chamber to see if it materialises.
The booking number for the shuttle is 027 214 4131.
Anyone interested in volunteering can also call this number.
In its first four months, 210 people made 136 trips with the shuttle service.
