Queenstown bus use rises - but revenue drops

Bus passenger numbers across ORC’s Queenstown Public Transport services continue to increase, but to a backdrop of falling revenue as NZ Transport Authority subsidies decline.

For the first three quarters of the current financial year – covering from July 2024 to March 2025 – Queenstown passenger numbers rose by 3% to 1,489,729 trips, says ORC’s General Manager Regional and Planning Transport, Anita Dawe.

Fare revenue in Queenstown for the same period declined 6% to $2.42 million, Ms Dawe says.

“We are really pleased that we continue to see a steady increase in patronage, especially as the removal of subsidies can create challenges for our public transport community." she says.

The subsidy reductions are across public transport services around the country.

Ms Dawe noted numerous NZTA subsidies ended in April 2024, including for free child (5-12), youth (13-18) and Youth Plus (19-25).

The Queenstown ferry operation saw a 6% decline in patronage to 55,829 passengers for the three- quarter period, while revenue was down 3% to $618, 984.

Mrs Dawe notes the impact on the ferry revenue after its return to full fares was more keenly felt in dollar terms than on the bus services.