Mr Cole raised his concerns fares had risen on public transport.
If nothing was done to the public transport system, it would be "inundated with inherent problems" such as an ageing fleet and no diversity of fuel.
"We are facing some serious problems in Dunedin with regards to public transport and we need some serious solutions and people to solve them."
Examples he gave included Invercargill, where he said buses were free between 9am and 3pm, and patronage was increasing.
In Vancouver, Canada, one day a month was free, and people had found the service good and were using it more.
"There's so much that can be done. I don't know if you realise what a jewel it can be."
Cr Richard Walls told Mr Cole the ORC had responsibility for public transport.
Mr Cole said he would also be presenting his submission to that council.
