The trial for tertiary student discount bus fares set up by OUSA, OPSA and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is expected to cost the ORC up to $15,000. Ratepayers have been assured, however, that they will not be hit in the pocket.
ORC Chairman Stephen Woodhead put the trial “in perspective” by identifying that the council’s total transport spending for the year would be approximately $10 million.
Councillors have moved quickly to show their support for the scheme, an effort that Critic speculates may be due in part to the recent push by the DCC and OUSA to get more students enrolled to vote in the upcoming local body elections.
Cr Michael Deaker emphasised that the 18,000 students living in Dunedin show “a real prospect of improving patronage figures,” and described the trial as “exciting” considering that students may now move further away from University when choosing where to live.
Slightly more reserved, Cr Sam Neill thought the trial was “overdue,” but felt that it would need to be matched by a concerted and “massive” effort to let students know what was available. Cr Lucy Lawless was unavailable for comment.
The two-month trial is set to occur between Orientation Week and the end of April, and will give students a 25 per cent discount when using a Go Card. Promotions and specific system requirements have not yet been finalised.
Bus Trial to Cost Far Less Than Actual Bus
