Thousands of Cantabrians back a more frequent and connected bus network

Cantabrians want a public transport network that’s more frequent, better connected and reaches more communities, a network review has found.

The Metro bus and ferry network review consultation, ‘To Bus or Not To Bus?’ was conducted in May and June this year and received feedback from about 11,000 people and 41 organisations and community groups.

Respondents identified more frequent services, wider network coverage, improved connections, and faster trips as the most important improvements.

Environment Canterbury public transport lead councillor Joe Davies said another clear message was that people want to use public transport more.

“Nearly eight in 10 participants told us they would use Metro more often if services better met their needs,” Davies said.

“People want a network that helps them get where they need to go, when they need to be there, without relying on a car for every journey.”

Davies said greater Christchurch had continued to grow “significantly”, and the way people travel had subsequently changed.

“The community is telling us that public transport improvements have not kept pace with that growth,” he said.

Feedback highlighted gaps in access to services in growing communities including Halswell, Rolleston, Belfast, Yaldhurst, West Melton and Lincoln.

Christchurch's bus network. Image / Metro Chirstchurch

Respondents also identified the central city, Christchurch Airport, Russley, Christchurch Hospital, Hornby and Islington as among the most difficult destinations to reach by public transport.

The review also confirmed the importance of Metro’s core routes, such as the Orbiter and Routes 1, Rangiora-Cashmere; 3, Airport-Sumner; 5, Rolleston-New Brighton and 7, Halswell-Queenspark.

Davies said the challenge was now balancing aspirations for the network with what can realistically be funded and delivered.

He said to be a useful option, new or extended services would need to meet a minimum level of frequency and operating hours.

“We can’t do everything at once, so we’ll need to prioritise and stage improvements over time, balancing stronger services on busy routes with targeted improvements in growth areas and underserved communities,” he said.

Respondents identified the central city as among the most difficult destinations to reach by public transport. Pictured is the city's central bus exchange. Photo / George Heard

Davies said that would take “significant investment”, adding that central government funding was “critical” to what’s possible for the network.

“These findings provide valuable evidence of community demand and will help inform future investment discussions,” he said.

The review’s findings will now be combined with technical analysis and other planning information to develop a recommended future network and, ultimately, a range of investment options.

The community is expected to have another opportunity to have a say through the Long-Term Plan 2027-37 process in early 2027.