Queenstown-Wanaka bus service faces funding and viability issues

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has stated that it has no immediate plans for a public bus service between Queenstown and Wanaka. The council cites economic viability and funding challenges as the main reasons for this decision. Protect Our Winters (POW) is advocating for the bus service. They emphasize the environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions and less traffic congestion. POW believes a bus service would support the community and promote sustainable transport. A recent study showed that transport emissions make up 47% of the Queenstown Lakes District's total emissions. This is significantly higher than the national average of 17%. Despite acknowledgment of the demand for an electric bus service, ORC has not committed to implementing it at this time. Public support for the idea continues to grow.