The Otago Regional Council has asked bus passengers in Dunedin to be flexible, as half-price fares start.
Fares will be half price for the next three months starting from tomorrow, so bus users need to plan for full buses at peak times.
ORC transport manager Doug Rodgers said the council was pleased to be able to offer the half-price fares "and expect more people will want to jump on, especially at peak times".
"However, services are already disrupted, so if more people catch the bus than usual, we may hit full capacity on individual routes well before they get to their destination.
“Due to drivers isolating or being ill due to Covid, a national driver shortage and the recent increase in capacity provided for school services, we will be unable to provide extra services," Mr Rodgers said.
“We are asking our passengers, including new ones attracted by the price, to keep this in mind.”
Some people needed to catch a bus to get around, he said.
“So if you can travel outside of peak times, please do so.
"Being flexible helps those who cannot move their travel times, for instance, shift workers, students and retail and hospitality workers."
Peak times in Dunedin are from 7.30am to 9am and 2.45pm to 5.30pm.
The afternoon peak starts early as school children travel home or to activities after school.
Mr Rodgers also reminded people the $1 fare was with Bee Cards only and all cash fares in Dunedin would be $3.
Total Mobility journeys are also included and will have the additional discount applied on top of the current subsidy.
For more information, and updated services, follow Orbus Dunedin on Facebook and check out the public transport pages on the ORC website, orc.govt.nz
