Otago Regional Council (ORC) Chairman Stephen Woodhead said the hub represents an important investment in modernising and simplifying our public transport network.
“Bus patronage is on the rise in Dunedin and combined with earlier improvements to the network, the new hub will deliver a connected and efficient service to the growing number of people choosing to take the bus.
“It’s going to streamline services for passengers, improve traffic flow through town, and set a great foundation for our growing public transport needs,” Chairman Woodhead said.
The hub’s Great King Street location will centralise bus routes and make transferring simple. The hub will take buses off the busiest parts of George Street, improving service reliability in town. By making transferring between buses easy, GoCard users will be able to make the most of 30-minute free transfers within the city.
DCC Councillor Kate Wilson, Chair of the Infrastructure Services and Networks Committee, said the hub is a big step in making public transport easier for Dunedin residents, consistent with our integrated transport strategy.
“Public transport is vital in our city and important as a mode of choice. It will provide an affordable alternative while also addressing climate change challenges.”
Jim Harland, Director Regional Relationships, NZ Transport Agency said, “As a key funder of public transport, the Transport Agency is pleased to see more people taking the bus in Dunedin and reducing congestion. The new hub will not only make journeys more comfortable year-round but also provide better connectivity to the CBD and the new hospital.”
Cr Trevor Kempton, Chairman of the Otago Regional Transport Committee highlighted the work of the Connecting Dunedin partnership between ORC, DCC and the NZTA.
“The Bus Hub really shows the benefit of a collaborative approach to transport decisions. We’re thankful to NZTA as a major funder of the hub, and to the DCC who have worked closely with us on the project.”
Cr Kempton also acknowledged the community and local businesses for their patience while this work has taken place.
ORC Cr Michael Deaker said that passengers will find that change to their service is relatively minimal compared to the major service changes of the past few years.
“Thanks to these changes, the Bus Hub coming into service will only affect one part of bus journeys – the route through the central city.
“We’re really looking forward to the benefits the hub will bring to the public transport network in Dunedin,” Cr Deaker said.
Cr Trevor Kempton, Chairman Stephen Woodhead, and Cr Michael Deaker perusing the new map and timetable at the Bus Hub.
