But with an expected increase in passengers, bus users are being asked to avoid peak times because of a driver shortage.
Otago Regional Council transport manager Doug Rodgers said the half-price bus fares would start tomorrow for passengers in Dunedin and Queenstown.
The council was pleased to offer the three-month fare cut and expected more people would want to catch the bus, especially at peak times.
Passengers were being asked to plan for full buses as services were already disrupted by Covid-19.
A nationwide driver shortage along with a recent increase in capacity for school services meant the council was unable to provide extra services.
The change meant some services would be at full capacity well before they got to their destination, he said.
Passengers, including new ones attracted by the reduced price, were being asked to keep that in mind.
Those who could travel outside peak times were asked to do so, as being flexible would help those who could not move their travel times.
The peak times in Dunedin were 7.30am-9am and 2.45pm-5.30pm.
The new $1 fare would only apply to adult passengers travelling with Bee Cards, but children's fares and cash fares would also be reduced by half.
Total Mobility journeys were also included and would have the additional discount applied on top of the current subsidy, Mr Rodgers said.
The Government announced plans for the reduction as a way to offset the rising cost of living, including rising fuel costs.
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Comments
Will the school bus fares also be reduced? Currently it costs $8 for a high school student to travel from Green Island to Kings/Queens (7km route 40C). $40 per week, >$1500 per year. $45 per week from Mosgiel. Please can we have some joined up thinking for the kids that have to travel and want to get to school on time.
Even if it was free people will not use it, walkers, cyclists, parents with kids, those shopping or workers who work hours are between bus times, I'm not keen waiting half an hour for a bus after being on my feet for 8 hours.