Yes, that’s right; they do go round and round. But does the Arrowtown community want the buses going round and round and round?
We all love Orbus, which is providing a great and affordable public transport, although one aspect is raising discussion. Since the service was introduced just over a year ago by the Otago Regional Council, the AVA has received many comments asking why the route has to be a ‘double movement’ rather than what historically was a one way loop through the iconic character village that is Arrowtown.
The double movement route means twice the number of Orbus buses passing through Arrowtown, and is causing some confusion, particularly for the museum area pick-up and drop-off point.
The current system will shortly see the loss of 9 car park spaces on Ramshaw Lane and see funds spent on out-of-character bus stops and shelters on both sides of village streets. Also a roundabout will be placed on Adamson Drive to allow a bus turnaround. All of this infrastructure work is to be done by QLDC at Arrowtown ratepayer expense.
The AVA is collaborating with other Arrowtown organisations in an attempt to get a practical solution of a loop route reintroduced by the ORC. Such a loop would remove much of the infrastructure requirement, would use existing bus stops such as the museum shelter on Ramshaw Lane, and reduce the number of Orbus movements passing by our historic Buckingham Street area.
We are canvassing our community once again for their opinions. What do you think? Do you support our attempts to get a practical solution that will continue to provide a great bus service without as many bus movements?
Send your thoughts to chairperson@arrowtownvillage.nz and remember, membership of the AVA is free. Just hit the JOIN NOW button top right.