News that funding has been restored for an Upper Clutha public transport business case has been welcomed by local community figures.

The decision was made at Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) meeting on Wednesday May 28 to allocate $250,000 from the council's general rates to fund a business case for public transport in the Upper Clutha.

Read more: ORC councillor supports public transport funding

Kathy Dedo, who led the Community Link public transport shuttle trials in 2022 and 2023, told the Wānaka App she was “delighted” the funding had been reinstated.

The primary goal of the shuttle trials was to gather data to support long-term planning, she said. 

“While we provided a short-term service, it is [ORC’s] role to develop and provide public transport and the business case is the next step toward this becoming a reality in our region.”

A business case would “further investigate the need and feasibility of public transport in the Upper Clutha, and start to inform costs and the model of service [which] could eventually be offered”, she said. 

Community Link’s reports on the shuttle trials have been provided to ORC and should factor into the business case development, she added.

A ‘definite need’ for public transport

Community Link general manager Kate Murray said the organisation “definitely” sees a need for public transport here.

“[T]his includes our seniors that are unable to get to the supermarket or medical appointments and the wider population that for medical reasons such as injuries or eyesight impairments are unable to drive (short term or long term) that then struggle to get around the Upper Clutha,” she said. 

“Alongside this we are increasingly having requests for people seeking help to get to Queenstown for medical appointments.”

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said his wish list for public transport includes “express, peak time services between Wānaka and Hāwea, Luggate and Queenstown Airport”.  

“This will reduce emissions, pressure on the Albert Town bridge and general congestion in town,” he said. 

Kathy Dedo, Simon Telfer, and Cherilyn Walthew. PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Supplied

“Given there won't be a bus stop on every corner the public transport system has to tie into the active travel network so residents can walk, bike or scooter to and from pick up points. 

“If we are really progressive we should leverage technology to make the service more 'on demand' than completely scheduled. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to travel more socially, cost effectively and environmentally responsibly.”

Request for ‘accessible and consistent public transport’ 

Hāwea Community Association (HCA) acting chair Cherilyn Walthew told the Wānaka App the HCA - a strong supporter of public transport given the area’s rate of growth - had already spoken with ORC staff to discuss the community’s needs, requesting that long-term planning for the area incorporates public transport routes, even if public transport is not immediately available.

“This includes things like the Capell Avenue extension which we believe should be approached with [public transport] in mind, including future bus routes and stops, along with cycle lanes and walking paths to ensure we maximise the opportunities for people to get out of their cars and connect with public transport routes.”

Cherilyn said the HCA is also keen to see “tangible links and considerations in relation to [Queenstown Lakes District Council’s/QLDC] Climate Action Plan”.

“The HCA supports a highly functioning local urban township with good public transport links that meets the needs of the population. This means accessible and consistent public transport.”

QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who is also a member of the Public and Active Travel Advisory Group - a joint forum of ORC and QLDC - said he was “pleasantly surprised and a little shocked” that the business case was reinstated.  

“It remains uncertain if or when this could lead to a funded service but it is a step in the right direction and allows the groundwork to get done,” he said.