Kate WilsonPetrol shortages could lead to the opening of new and desired routes for public transport in the South, one regional councillor has suggested. The Otago Regional Council discussed public transport at its monthly meeting in Balclutha this week, with the fuel shortage front and centre. Exact data for Queenstown was not availableShe was expecting more people to use public transport and was confident there was enough capacity in the system to cope. Council chief executive Richard Saunders said if measures around rationing or prioritising fuel were introduced then public transport would be seen as a critical service and should have access to fuel. The Oamaru trial was the council’s first entry into community transport, which is a not-for-profit transport service funded and operated by local organisations to improve transport access in areas where traditional public transport is not feasible.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC