August 2023 update

With the driver shortage over and Metro services now back to normal, we are happy to announce that the approved changes can now be implemented. See the full Environment Canterbury media release for more details.

From 4 September 2023, two new routes will replace routes 17 and 28:

Route 8 – Port to Port/Airport to Lyttelton

Route 27 – Northwood to Huntsbury

The current 17 and 28 routes will continue operating up until 3 September 2023 after which they will be replaced by the new services.

Other changes include:

• A general weekday frequency of every 15 minutes for Route 8, the new Port to Port service from the Airport to Lyttelton

• An increase in the number of trips extending to Rāpaki including a shopper service and a weekend morning and afternoon service

• A general weekday frequency of every 20 minutes for Route 27, the new Northwood to Huntsbury service

• A two-year trial of alternating services on a section of Route 8 (Port to Port) south of the central city. Buses will alternate between Ara and Colombo St (Sydenham shops) on weekdays every 30 minutes until 5.30pm.

• Seven new electric buses will be introduced post-launch and will be used for these new services and the wider Metro network.

We originally proposed removing the Christchurch Airport stop from Route 125 (Redwood to Westlake), to accommodate the introduction of the new Port to Port route. However, we’ve listened to community feedback and Route 125 will continue to service Christchurch Airport Terminal, in addition to the new Port to Port service.

More information

See the Metro website for more information about these two new routes including maps and timetables. Make sure you’re signed up to our Metro newsletter or following us on Facebook for the latest updates.

Leading up to the launch, additional Metro staff will be stationed at the Bus Interchange to answer questions and help people understand which new route to take.