Though the seven-month-old Malaghans Rd ‘back road’ bus service between Queenstown’s CBD and Arrowtown is still only a trial, it’s ‘‘performing well’’, Otago Regional Council (ORC) states.
The new Orbus service — terminating or originating at Jack’s Point — was introduced after persistent lobbying from Arrowtown interests and former local ORC councillor Alexa Forbes.
Comparing patronage for this route with how it was serviced beforehand, there was an approximate 22% year-on-year increase between last July and December, compared with a year-on-year 1% increase over the previous six months.
In terms of Arthurs Point and Arrowtown boardings — prior to June 30 someone living in Arthurs Point had to bus via the CBD and Frankton to get to Arrowtown — there was an increase in passengers of 14%, year-on-year, from July to December.
Boardings between January and June, year on year, had been 2% down.
In terms of the Malaghans Rd service, ‘‘we seem to be catering to demand for this route,’’ ORC transport implementation lead Julian Phillips says.
He adds the trial runs till the end of July next year, and if it’s overall assessed as successful, the service will be introduced permanently from then — subject to funding through the national land transport plan.
- Philip Chandler
