Ten Plus Two Equals Twelve, Says Fran

Ten Plus Two Equals Twelve, Says Fran

OUSA has announced plans for a one-month trial of a $12 airport shuttle service for students. Although exact dates are yet to be confirmed, the trial period will coincide with the upcoming exam period. As such, it will only be an outgoing service at this stage, but may operate both ways next year should the scheme prove successful.

A $10 airport shuttle service for students was one of OUSA President Francisco Hernandez’s election promises, published last year in his “Franifesto.” Hernandez told Critic that the slight price increase was due to a change in fees charged to transport service providers by Dunedin Airport.

“$12 shuttles are just like $10 shuttles, but $2 more,” he reasoned.

An independent provider will run the service, and for the sake of cost-efficiency will have only two pick-up stops: Gardens New World and the main OUSA building. There is the possibility of adding a third stop (the Railway Station) if demand is sufficient, Hernandez said.

The shuttles will stay at these stops for 15 minutes each, and are expected to leave strictly on time. Hernandez reasoned that “if it’s there for that long, then it’s probably your fault if you miss it.”

The suggested timetable includes eight outbound services a day, leaving between 5:15am and 8:15pm. The maximum capacity, if all three of the available shuttles are running, will be 35 students per slot.

Bookings and cancellations will be taken online, with both needing to be done at least 12 hours in advance. Extra gear (within reason) will not cost extra, although it is expected that travellers will warn the service provider when making a booking.

“We just want it to be easy for everyone,” Hernandez said. “Everything, from the simple stops to the timing, is easy for students and the service provider alike.”

The cost to OUSA over the one-month trial period is expected to be approximately $2,000, with most of this going towards establishing the booking website.
This article first appeared in Issue 25, 2013.
Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Zane Pocock.