Wakatipu Orbus service marks first year

A YEAR after a new $2 bus network was launched in the Wakatipu, more than 1.2 million passengers have travelled on it — almost double the number under the former commercial service.

Orbus, a joint initiative between the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Otago Regional Council (ORC), NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Queenstown Airport, launched a year ago today.

Passengers with a GoCard have $2 bus fares anywhere on the network, with free 30minute transfers.

Operated by Richies, the service’s four routes cover Fernhill/Sunshine Bay, Frankton/ Kelvin Heights, Jacks Point/Lake Hayes Estate and Arrowtown/ Arthurs Point.

ORC deputy chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the level of demand to date meant ‘‘we know we will be able to

continue to grow the service’’.

Earlier this year the Otago Daily Times reported there was a 153% increase in passengers on buses in the first six months of the year, to 607,609 trips, up from 240,076 between January and June, 2017.

Fare revenue had increased by 4%, despite the cheaper fares.

Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said he was thrilled with the success of the service to date, but there was still work to be done to get people thinking differently about how they travelled.

‘‘A big part of that work will need to include making changes to the service,’’ he said.

Last Thursday Orbus increased its frequency to every 30 minutes during the evening peak travel time on the Lake Hayes to Jacks Point route, between 3pm and 5.30pm.

ORC corporate services director Nick Donnelly said the council knew there was demand for increased services in some areas and it was looking at what could be done.

‘‘It can be pretty complicated to make changes, meaning it isn’t always the fastest process, but restassured we are doing our best to ensure that changes and plans are not only geared towards current needs, but also have an eye to the future.’’

NZTA regional relationships director Jim Harland said the agencies involved were focused on making a ‘‘better, more liveable Queenstown for locals and visitors’’.

‘‘This affordable new bus service is integral to that liveability.’’

PHOTO: TRACEY ROXBURGH Happy birthday . . . Orbus driver Stephen Poole watches as Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult and Otago Regional Council deputy chairwoman Gretchen Robertson mark the first year of Orbus, the Wakatipu’s $2 bus network, in Queenstown yesterday .