Building on the success of the Upper Clutha’s first public shuttle bus trial, a second trial of a scheduled bus service between Hāwea and Wānaka is planned and funding has been secured.

Likely to begin in May this year, the new three month trial will offer improvements on the first public service, such as offering a potential express service for commuters, a new inner town circuit, and an expansion of the service from three days a week to five, Community Networks/LINK trial coordinator Joanna Perry said.

The first trial “was a huge success in terms of positive feedback from people both on and off the  bus” and much of that feedback will be reflected in the second trial, she said.

“The key things we know are people loved the driver, the service, they found it very friendly and comfortable, and it was an enjoyable experience. And what has come up again and again, about what didn't work so well is the frequency and the number of stops and the route,” she said. 

Data collated from bookings, passengers surveys and two post-trial focus groups showed 655 passengers rode the shuttle; many used it more than once; and the spread of use was fairly even between Hāwea and Wānaka.

Shuttle bus supporters attend the launch of the first bus trial at the Wānaka Community Hub in September 2022.

Passenger numbers gradually increased over the three-month period, but remained  fairly low, with the majority of days seeing between 10 and 25 rides taken across the six services. 

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“Ridership numbers were not what we’d hoped,” Joanna said. 

Feedback indicated that the first trial service, which offered three return trips each day, three days a week, “didn’t quite meet their needs”.  

Albert Town resident and enthusiastic shuttle bus supporter Barbara Jungen rode the shuttle to work in Wānaka and home every Friday.

“Sometimes there were days when I was on my own. I think four [passengers] was the maximum I experienced. It was a lot more relaxing to go to work by bus than by car. I always got to work in a very good mood,” she said.

“One of the main reasons for me to take the shuttle was to do my little bit against climate change by not taking the car and reducing traffic in Wānaka.” 

Another suggestion being considered is a shorter loop connecting the Wānaka CBD with stops at Anderson Heights, Northlake, Albert Town, Three Parks and the Wānaka Medical Centre, Joanna said.  

A working group comprising Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Otago Regional Council staff as well as representatives from Lake Wānaka Tourism and the Wānaka transport group Yello! is currently developing the parameters for the second trial.

Joanna said it’s likely Yello! will provide a 12 seater shuttle  bus, capable of carrying bikes; the cost will remain at $2 per passenger per ride; and the number of stops on the main Hāwea-Wānaka return route will be reduced substantially from the original 13 stops.

“A lot of the stops weren't being hugely used so streamlining the route and developing a more frequent service are the key priorities that have come from the first trial, and will be applied to the second trial.”

Funding for this second trial has been confirmed from QLDC’s Climate Action & Biodiversity Plan and Lake Wānaka Tourism, Joanna said. 

“This second trial is currently in the design phase, and we hope to confirm a start date soon,” she said.

The original trial conducted by Community Networks/LINK operated for three months from September to December last year and gauged initial public support, as well as investigating best routes and timing options for a future public transport link.

Analysis of data from passenger surveys and public feedback contributed to the first trial report which was shared last week with the QLDC, in time for its annual plan process, and the ORC which is building a business case for public transport for 2024. 

The first trial report is posted to the Community Networks/LINK website and can be found here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App