The Regional Public Transport Plan guides how Otago Regional Council will invest time and money into public transport for the next ten years (2025-2035). The plan aims to provide public transport solutions that are easy to understand and meet communities’ diverse needs. In short, public transport people want to use – more often. 

New government expectations mean that we have some tough choices to make.

We value access, transport options and the economic, health and environmental benefits that a convenient, reliable and efficient public transport system delivers for our communities. However, we are now required to recover a greater share of public transport operating costs from private sources. This means we need to increase things like passenger fares and advertising or decrease our spending on services, which would mean fewer buses or removing some routes. 

Feedback closes on 2 May 2025. 

Tell us what you think

The draft Otago Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) is now open for consultation and closes 2 May 2025.

The plan’s focus areas

This is your opportunity to have your say on the plan's five focus areas for public transport including:  

  1. Passenger experience: Provide public transport services that respect the safety and wellbeing of all passengers.

  2. Build trust: Ensure public transport projects align with community priorities.

  3. Environmental sustainability: Invest in a public transport system that promotes positive outcomes regarding greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants and land use.

  4. A connected and integrated network: Provide a reliable and convenient public transport system.

  5. Value for money: Provide public transport services that are good value for money. 

We’d like to hear your thoughts on any other parts of the plan too. 

Are we focusing on the right areas?

  • Should we support community transport services in small town and rural areas?

We’re considering bringing in community transport in these areas, such as non-profit community vehicle trusts run by volunteers. 

  • Should we increase passenger fares?

We’re considering increasing the Bee Card adult fare from $2 to 2.50. 

  • Should we charge more for longer trips?

We’re considering changing to a zone fare system so different zones can have different fares. 

  • Should we keep free fares for children (5-12 years)?

We’re considering keeping free fares for children and standardising the youth discount (13-18 years) to 40% in Dunedin and Queenstown. 

Flowchart showing the plan’s focus areas

In-person drop-ins

Come and join us for a chat with our team about our plan for public transport. We have several drop-in events around Otago

Our Draft Regional Public Transport Plan is out for feedback. You can talk to us in person and ask questions about the plan that will set the vision for public transport in Otago for the next 10 years. Topics in the plan include:   

  • supporting community transport services in rural areas  
  • increasing bus fares 
  • keeping free child fares 
  • introducing zone fares

No need to book in - just turn up at the scheduled event with your questions, thoughts and feedback. 

Timeline for feedback

24 March: Feedback begins

25 March—16 April: In-person consultation sessions

2 May: Feedback closes

12—16 May: In-person and online hearings. Opportunity to tell our elected members more about your feedback

19—30 May: Council considers feedback

June/July: Council considers adopting the plan

The draft Otago Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) is now open for consultation and closes 2 May 2025.