Catching the bus is a popular mode of transport for Mosgiel residents.
Otago Regional Council public transport team leader Julian Phillips updated the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board on bus matters at its latest meeting.
With the exception of Covid-19 disruptions, the Mosgiel service was still going ‘‘gangbusters’’ in terms of patronage, particularly at peak times.
Two buses were running between 8am and 9am and from 3pm onwards to keep up with passenger demand, he said.
Work in the Shaping Future Dunedin Transport project identified the need for more services in the area. The council was looking into potentially adding extra services but it was subject to funding.
Mr Phillips said the council received feedback on the loop service that runs through central Mosgiel.
It was reviewing whether it could go along Hagart-Alexander Dr, as there was a ‘‘huge catchment’’ near there that was being missed.
Care had to be taken because although the service did not get many passengers, it was important socially as it went right to the door of some rest homes and linked to the medical centre.
Bus stops would need to be installed in the street, but board member Brian Peat did not think it would be wide enough.
While he supported the idea, there would be no room for two cars to get past a parked bus, he said.
Board member Brian Miller said he was a satisfied bus user and asked if a bus route could be extended through the Kinmont-Braeside area.
Board chairwoman Joy Davis thanked Mr Phillip for a comprehensive report. It was encouraging to see the increased patronage, she said.
‘‘We know how much traffic there is on the roads, so the more cars we can get off [it] and people on an efficient bus service the better.’’
