A "critical" volunteer-run community shuttle service that operates from Oamaru to Palmerston and Dunedin has been extended by a further six months and will now run until the end of September. The Otago Regional Council voted to extend the trial service, originally due to last six months, and further fund it to the tune of $25,000. The service was a bid to improve transport access in "areas where traditional public transport is not feasible", the statement said. Cr Somerville said the trial would not have been possible without the support of the Oamaru Community Shuttle Steering Group organising volunteer drivers, with more than 1300 hours volunteered so far. The shuttle service is separate to the Waka Ora Health Shuttle operated by Oamaru St John which also runs between Oamaru and Dunedin.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 10, 2026 20:08 UTC