January 29, 2013

Bus route revisions for the new school year

As the start of the school year looms, so too does the congestion on our roads as parents pick-up and drop-off their children. To help with this significant issue, Environment Canterbury is encouraging students in Christchurch and the outlying towns to make use of the 30 dedicated school buses provided by Metro.

“These buses are in addition to the regular urban routes, and complement the wider Metro network,” says David Stenhouse, Passenger Services Manager for Environment Canterbury.

“They are generally provided to cater for demand that we would otherwise not be able to be accommodate on our regular urban services. It is more cost effective for us to provide these school services than additional urban trips.”

Alongside the alterations to the general Christchurch Metro network at the end of 2012, there are also some tweaks to the school bus service for the coming school year.

“We are recommending that passengers who’ve used the Metro School Bus services in the past check the Metro website to familiarise themselves with the new numbering system for their bus,” explains Mr Stenhouse.

“In particular students from Aranui, Mairehau and Avonside Girls’ High Schools as well as those from Chisnallwood Intermediate should check the 2013 routes and timetables carefully for changes that have occurred since last year.”

Those travelling to schools in Christchurch city from the Waimakariri District should also look carefully at the new 72 Rangiora and Kaiapoi routes and timetables, to make sure they are familiar with the changes that will commence in term one.

Dedicated school services are not provided to all schools, but that doesn’t mean that getting the bus to school isn’t an option. Check out the Metro website or call the knowledgeable and helpful staff at Metroinfo who can talk you through your options to see what other services might suit.

For more information about Metro school services read here: http://metroinfo.co.nz/timetables/SchoolServices/Pages/default.aspx

Student fares can be paid using their activated Cando Card, Metrocard or by cash; more information on the Cando card here: http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/metrocard/Pages/CandoCard.aspx

ENDS

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