Public transport network review

Help shape public transport in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn

In May this year, we'll be asking for your feedback on what would make Metro buses and ferries work better for you. Whether you use public transport every day, occasionally, or not at all – we want to hear from you.

Your feedback will help us prioritise improvements to the network over the next decade and make the case for funding to deliver them.

Metro bus and ferry services

The Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is responsible for delivering the region’s public transport services. In Greater Christchurch, we run the Metro bus and ferry routes that connect communities across Christchurch and parts of the Waimakariri and Selwyn districts.

Last year, people made about 15 million trips on Metro services.

Metro services include:

  • Frequent core routes - connecting key destinations and activity hubs
  • City connectors - linking suburbs to the central city
  • Suburban links - connecting suburb to suburb
  • Direct peak-time services - town to city
  • Diamond Harbour ferries.

Keep us moving as our city grows

Christchurch and surrounding townships in Selwyn and Waimakariri are growing fast and the transport network needs to keep up. By 2050, we expect there will be 700,000 people living here.

Improving public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce congestion, support growth, and keep people moving around the city. Without it, pressure on our roads will continue to increase.

A strong, reliable public transport network benefits everyone. Whether you use it or not, it supports:

  • More travel choice
  • Better access to jobs, education, recreation, and services
  • Less congestion on our roads
  • Lower emissions
  • Improved road safety

Our vision

Public transport is the mode of choice for more people and provides a safe, frequent, accessible, low emission transport option. As outlined in our Regional Public Transport Plan 2024-34.

Planning for change

Because the Metro network is interconnected, changes in one area can affect services elsewhere. That’s why we need to look at the big picture.

We can make some improvements with current funding, like adjusting routes or moving buses to where they are needed most.

Bigger changes take more time and planning and, like many regions in New Zealand, we face significant financial pressures. With limited funding, we need to make choices about what changes will have the most impact. This means balancing two goals:

  • Growing patronage – attracting as many passengers as possible
  • Expanding coverage – reaching more communities

We can’t always do both at once, so it’s about finding the right balance.

We’re also working with partners to improve things like bus lanes, stops and park and ride facilities to make public transport more convenient.

We’re open to new ideas and smarter ways of delivering services that better meet the needs of different communities.

Help shape public transport in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn

In May this year, we'll be asking for your feedback on what would make Metro buses and ferries work better for you. Whether you use public transport every day, occasionally, or not at all – we want to hear from you.

Your feedback will help us prioritise improvements to the network over the next decade and make the case for funding to deliver them.

Metro bus and ferry services

The Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is responsible for delivering the region’s public transport services. In Greater Christchurch, we run the Metro bus and ferry routes that connect communities across Christchurch and parts of the Waimakariri and Selwyn districts.

Last year, people made about 15 million trips on Metro services.

Metro services include:

  • Frequent core routes - connecting key destinations and activity hubs
  • City connectors - linking suburbs to the central city
  • Suburban links - connecting suburb to suburb
  • Direct peak-time services - town to city
  • Diamond Harbour ferries.

Keep us moving as our city grows

Christchurch and surrounding townships in Selwyn and Waimakariri are growing fast and the transport network needs to keep up. By 2050, we expect there will be 700,000 people living here.

Improving public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce congestion, support growth, and keep people moving around the city. Without it, pressure on our roads will continue to increase.

A strong, reliable public transport network benefits everyone. Whether you use it or not, it supports:

  • More travel choice
  • Better access to jobs, education, recreation, and services
  • Less congestion on our roads
  • Lower emissions
  • Improved road safety

Our vision

Public transport is the mode of choice for more people and provides a safe, frequent, accessible, low emission transport option. As outlined in our Regional Public Transport Plan 2024-34.

Planning for change

Because the Metro network is interconnected, changes in one area can affect services elsewhere. That’s why we need to look at the big picture.

We can make some improvements with current funding, like adjusting routes or moving buses to where they are needed most.

Bigger changes take more time and planning and, like many regions in New Zealand, we face significant financial pressures. With limited funding, we need to make choices about what changes will have the most impact. This means balancing two goals:

  • Growing patronage – attracting as many passengers as possible
  • Expanding coverage – reaching more communities

We can’t always do both at once, so it’s about finding the right balance.

We’re also working with partners to improve things like bus lanes, stops and park and ride facilities to make public transport more convenient.

We’re open to new ideas and smarter ways of delivering services that better meet the needs of different communities.

Page published: 02 Apr 2026, 05:25 PM