Despite a huge drop in users during Covid-19 alert levels, the move from Level 2 to 1 resulted in a surge in patronage, the number of users more than doubling.
Data supplied by the Otago Regional Council showed 263 more people travelled by bus last week, compared with the same time last year.
But it was expected that figure was higher, as the data was collected before the end of the week.
ORC transport manager Garry Maloney hopes those numbers will not fall again.
"We know a lot of people have been enticed by fare-free travel to try the bus service again for the first time in years, and we really hope they stick around for the upcoming, tag-on tag-off system.”
The data also showed bus patronage during Level 2 was down by more than half on last year’s figures.
Mr Maloney said providing services during Level 2 had posed challenges, as people returned to work and school, but physical distancing was still required.
"Working with schools and our operators to meet requirements around social distancing, we were able to provide additional school service until Level 1, which took a lot of pressure off the regular network."
But the move to Level 2 on May 13 was not all bad, as it was responsible for patronage jumping from 11,450 to 21,596 within a week.
Mr Maloney also hoped numbers would continue to grow with the introduction of flat fares and the new tag-on tag-off Bee Card system later this year.
"We are currently consulting on the flat fare and almost 1000 people have submitted since the consultation began on 4 June," he said.
An ORC spokesman said the "huge" drop at the week beginning March 23 occurred due to the move to Level 4, and the week beginning April 27 was when the nation moved to Level 3, and patronage began a slow recovery.
"The biggest increase can be seen in the week beginning June 8, where the move to Level 1 has seen a full recovery of patronage.
"In the week prior, front-door boarding was introduced on June 2, and this may also have contributed to the increase as passenger confidence returned."
