Changes to Metro Services from November.

A number of new and improved bus services will be rolled out in the Greater Christchurch area from Monday, November 1. The changes are in response to public feedback, received through the recent Metro service review. Overall, they will provide improved links within the Christchurch City as well as better public transport connections between the city and towns in Greater Christchurch.

Two completely new services will be on offer – the 88 Rolleston, and the 820 Burnham – Lincoln via Rolleston. There will also be a number of route changes, designed to suit a larger number of bus-users, as well as more frequent services at peak times on high-use routes.

There will be some changes to the service providers that operate some of the routes, with Leopard Coachlines and the Christchurch Bus Service (CBS) running more services from November 1. All buses will be clearly recognisable as Metro buses.

Wayne Holton-Jeffreys, Environment Canterbury acting operations director, says that for reasons beyond their control, new buses ordered by both bus companies to service some of the new and improved routes will not be ready on November 1.

“Initially, there will be a number of buses in use that are noticeably older than most Metro buses. This is only temporary, with the new buses being rolled out as soon as they are ready. In some cases however, the new buses may not be available until after the summer holiday period,” he says.

“Some temporary replacement buses will not be wheelchair accessible and older people or those with prams or strollers may have difficulty with the entry steps. There won’t be bike racks on any of the temporary replacement buses.

“While I am confident that these service changes will meet the needs of an ever-increasing number of Metro customers into the future, I hope people will be understand the need for the temporary buses and be patient in waiting for the new ones,” says Mr Holton-Jeffreys.

More specific information, including updates, can be found at www.metroinfo.co.nz

Alternatively, people can call 03 366 8855 for information.

5 Hornby – Southshore
Route remains the same, but with a new schedule and now operated by Leopard Coachlines.

51 Tower Junction – Arunui
This route will no longer use Pages Rd. and Shortland St. Buses will travel on Kerrs and Wainoni Roads between Buckleys and Breezes Road.
More frequent services – half hourly Monday to Friday, now operated by Christchurch Bus Services (CBS).
Services to and from Tower Junction for TranzScenic passengers.

81 Lincoln
Route remains the same, but with a new schedule and now operated by Leopard Coachlines.
Increased frequency for Saturday/public holiday services.
Trips from Lincoln to the City will NOT pick up passengers after Church Corner, drop-offs only.
Trips from the City to Lincoln will NOT drop off passengers after Church Corner, pick-ups only.

83 Hei Hei –Burwood
Route remains the same, but with a new schedule and now operated by Christchurch Bus Services (CBS).

84 Russley -Avondale
Route remains the same, but with a new schedule and now operated by Christchurch Bus Services (CBS).

88 Rolleston
A completely new Metro service to be run by Leopard under the Selwyn Star brand. It runs every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday between the city and Templeton + Rolleston. Sunday services will run hourly.
Trips from Rolleston to the City will NOT pick up passengers after Church Corner, drop-offs only.
Trips from the City to Rolleston will NOT drop off passengers after Church Corner, pick-ups only.

820 Burnham – Lincoln via Rolleston
A completely new Metro service to be run by Leopard under the Selwyn Star brand, linking the towns in the Selwyn District. It runs hourly from Monday to Saturday, and every 2 hours on Sunday.
Schedule and route information is included in both the 81 and the 88 timetables.

Discontinued services
518 Hornby –Lincoln
520 Hornby – Burnham
521 Hornby – Templeton

ENDS

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