Monday 21 October 2013

Public views sought for Riccarton bus interchange proposal

Riccarton Road bus passengers, residents and businesses are being asked what they think about a proposal to introduce a new bus interchange at 119 Riccarton Road.

The interchange proposal includes a café, along with a waiting area and real time bus information. Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury are asking people what they think about the plans, which will support the new "Hubs and Spokes" public transport model being introduced following the earthquakes.

Acting Manager of Asset and Network Planning Ron Clarke says, “Riccarton Road, particularly the area near the Westfield shopping mall, is a key suburban hub for bus passengers in Christchurch. Providing a modern safe hub where passengers can sit, socialise and enjoy a coffee and a snack while they wait will greatly enhance their commuting experience.

“Currently more than 2800 people board a bus in Riccarton every day. This number has grown 40 per cent since the February 2011 earthquake, showing the importance of Riccarton as a destination in Christchurch today.”

The proposal for the interchange comes ahead of a corridor study being carried out along the Riccarton Road route which will consider how to improve public transport in the area. Any work done now would be complementary to future planning and the community will have further opportunity to comment before any other improvements are considered.

Further details about how the public can submit views on the proposal will be available on the Christchurch City Council website www.ccc.govt.nz later this week.

ENDS

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