Darfield to Rolleston bus service

We’ve heard from people in Selwyn district that there is strong interest for improvements to public transport services.

This proposal only impacts residents in:

  • Darfield
  • West Melton
  • Kirwee

We've heard that residents are likely to support a targeted rate to enable these improvements, meaning those who would potentially directly benefit from the services would pay an additional rate.

Do you support our proposed trial?

We want to know if you support a 2-year trial that would include a direct peak time service, and possibly a midday service, between Darfield and Rolleston via West Melton and Kirwee.

Funding through a targeted rate

A trial like what we're proposing would be 100% locally funded via a targeted rate that would be ongoing and increase annually. There are 2,821 rating units in Darfield, West Melton and Kirwee only that would share this cost. Find out why this is 100% funded by you.

While we’re asking this question, and even if supported by the community, this route still might not be feasible. If the trial is supported, and we move ahead with giving it a go, the earliest it would start would be at the end of 2025, and we would review after one year to make relevant adjustments.

The options available

• I want a direct service just at peak time*

• I want a direct service at peak time and midday

• I don’t want to fund this service.

*Peak time is defined as between 6-9am and 2.30-6pm. For option 1, there would be one service during each of these times.

Have a read about the options and then tell us what you think before 5pm 3 April 2025.

As we prepare our Annual Plan for 2025/26, we also want to hear what you think about:

We’ve heard from people in Selwyn district that there is strong interest for improvements to public transport services.

This proposal only impacts residents in:

  • Darfield
  • West Melton
  • Kirwee

We've heard that residents are likely to support a targeted rate to enable these improvements, meaning those who would potentially directly benefit from the services would pay an additional rate.

Do you support our proposed trial?

We want to know if you support a 2-year trial that would include a direct peak time service, and possibly a midday service, between Darfield and Rolleston via West Melton and Kirwee.

Funding through a targeted rate

A trial like what we're proposing would be 100% locally funded via a targeted rate that would be ongoing and increase annually. There are 2,821 rating units in Darfield, West Melton and Kirwee only that would share this cost. Find out why this is 100% funded by you.

While we’re asking this question, and even if supported by the community, this route still might not be feasible. If the trial is supported, and we move ahead with giving it a go, the earliest it would start would be at the end of 2025, and we would review after one year to make relevant adjustments.

The options available

• I want a direct service just at peak time*

• I want a direct service at peak time and midday

• I don’t want to fund this service.

*Peak time is defined as between 6-9am and 2.30-6pm. For option 1, there would be one service during each of these times.

Have a read about the options and then tell us what you think before 5pm 3 April 2025.

As we prepare our Annual Plan for 2025/26, we also want to hear what you think about:

  • What impact would this have on rates?

    In 2024/25, Darfield, West Melton and Kirwee ratepayers contributed $24.62 per rating unit for their public transport targeted rate to access the Route 86 Darfield-to-City direct service and regional public transport planning. This is due to increase to $32.95 per rating unit in 2025/26.

    Option 1

    I want a direct service just at peak time*

    Option 2

    I want a direct service at peak time and midday

    Option 3

    I don’t want to fund this service
    Proposed rate increase for 2025/26 $139.08 $178.03

    No rating impact beyond what you already contribute to public transport.
    High-level cost estimate for the year** ~$240,000 ~$345,000
    Estimated annual passengers ~8,000 ~11,000


    *Peak time is defined as between 6-9am and 2.30-6pm. For option 1, there would be one service during each of these times

    **These are high-level estimates, are +/- 15% and are subject to change following confirmation of the final costing with operators

    No other funding available

    It's important to know that this trial does not align with the strategic priorities in the Government Policy Statement (GPS) for Land Transport 2024 and is not eligible for National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in 2024-27.

    We also didn’t include it in the public transport work programme as part of the Long-Term Plan 2024-34.

    Uniform Targeted Public Transport Services Rate

    Rating area Total proposed passenger transport targeted rate 2025/26 including Darfield/Rolleston trial service Total proposed passenger transport targeted rate 2025/26 excluding Darfield/Rolleston trial service Calculation basis
    The urban areas of Darfield, West Melton and Kirwee only

    About $172 if Option 1 is supported by the community.

    About $210.98 if Option 2 is supported by the community.

    The above rates are indicative and include the trial cost as well as the existing targeted rate.     		$32.95 Fixed amount per rating unit
Page last updated: 12 Mar 2025, 07:39 PM