Dunedin and Queenstown will have a reduced timetable for at least one month from next Tuesday.
The council has said reduced bus services have become necessary as an already tight fleet of drivers is beaten back by Covid-19 and winter sickness, triggering a flurry of cancellations.
The threshold for switching to a new timetable is set at 10% of bus cancellations over three working days.
The extent of the announced service contraction was not clear.
However, transportation manager Doug Rodgers said today that the new timetable would keep buses at key times as much as possible.
The move means some service cuts, but should mean far fewer cancellations and more reliable service for passengers.
“We have revised timelines with our carriers to ensure our school services remain operational.”
The municipality expanded its bus routes to start schooling earlier this year after the commercial Dunedin bus operator Otago Road Services shut down late last year, leaving many students unable to attend school.
The shortened bus timetable would be in effect seven days a week in Queenstown, the council said in a statement today.
In Dunedin, a shortened timetable would only operate on weekdays, with weekend buses running normally, the council said.
Updated timetable information will be available from tomorrow on the council’s website and can also be found on the Transit app and on electronic signage at the Dunedin bus interchange.
The council urged people to check the updated timetables before traveling in the event of further cancellations.
The Orbus Dunedin and Queenstown Facebook pages are also said to have important updates about the networks.
ORC also has a toll free number where passengers can talk to someone about how this affects their trip. The number in Dunedin is 0800 672 8736 and in Queenstown 0800 672 8778.
People using Total Mobility services — a subsidized service available to those unable to use public transportation — should be aware that drivers may be unavailable at short notice, the ORC advised.
Total Mobility users are asked to contact their personal support networks to create an itinerary if their Total Mobility taxi is cancelled.