Otago is leading the way for regional bus use

Bus patronage in Dunedin has recorded a 31 percent surge compared to pre-Covid levels, with more than 850-thousand people riding the bus in the third quarter of this year.

Queenstown followed suit, experiencing a 32 percent increase, totalling more than 454-thousand passengers.

Otago Regional Council says the introduction of additional services for the Mosgiel route has played a significant role in these rising numbers.

Transport Manager Lorraine Cheyne says despite the Otago region having a smaller population than larger urban centres -- public transport use is still very high.