Otago regional councillor Duncan Butcher was "astounded" the suggestion of a European hub-style public transport system had never been discussed by the council.
The suggestion was made in the draft regional public transport plan, which was presented to the policy and submissions committee yesterday before going out for public consultation.
Cr Butcher said the council had not had a lot to say about the development of the plan. The council had reviewed the bus system twice in the 1990s, with the result showing Dunedin's layout did not allow the type of transport systems seen in other cities.
"If we as councillors do not understand what it is and how it works, how will [anyone else]."
Cr Bryan Scott also believed the council needed to discuss the concept of "transfer points" or hubs, as Cr Louise Croot had suggested there was some reluctance in Frankton to use the hub there.
Policy director Fraser McRae said the three-year plan was looking forward and needed to provide some flexibility to work with the Government's clearly signalled changes to legislation and how public transport was delivered in New Zealand.
Chief executive Graeme Martin said the latest advice suggested the changes would take place in the first half of 2013. Meanwhile, the council was required to have a new plan in place.
"We need flexibility against the enormous uncertainty in the operating environment the Government is intent on pursuing."
Within the next 12 months, three major bus contracts would expire and be re-tendered under the guidance of the plan.
Cr Louise Croot said people need to be informed about the "tinkering" the Government was doing when they considered the plan.
The draft plan will be considered by the regional council on August 8 and, if approved, go out for consultation on August 18.
