Proposed changes to Route 44 and Route 135

We’ve got some ideas – and we’re listening

We're always looking for ways to improve Metro bus services – making them more reliable, more efficient, and a better use of available funding. Sometimes that means making changes.

We're proposing changes to Routes 44 Shirley/Westmorland and 135 New Brighton/The Palms to provide:

  • More reliable, on-time services
  • Better coverage in areas where more people live and work
  • More frequent buses on weekends
  • Longer operating hours.

The proposal would:

When coming up with this proposal, we looked at how well the routes were used and feedback from bus users over the last few years.

Why changes are proposed

With limited funding, we need to make decisions about how best to support and grow the numbers of bus users. If we were to keep Route 135, this would limit our ability to invest in services that reach more people.

By reallocating those resources, we can improve access, reliability and frequency – while keeping alternative options available for those currently using Route 135.

Share your feedback

These proposed route changes are one part of a bigger picture. We’re also reviewing the bus and ferry network within Christchurch and the surrounding townships in Selwyn and Waimakariri.

Complete the survey now to give feedback on this proposal and the network review and go into the draw to win one of three $300 grocery vouchers.

Feedback is open until Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Tell us:

  • How this affects you
  • What works and what doesn’t
  • Whether we’ve missed anything
  • Any suggestions you have.

We’ve got some ideas – and we’re listening

We're always looking for ways to improve Metro bus services – making them more reliable, more efficient, and a better use of available funding. Sometimes that means making changes.

We're proposing changes to Routes 44 Shirley/Westmorland and 135 New Brighton/The Palms to provide:

  • More reliable, on-time services
  • Better coverage in areas where more people live and work
  • More frequent buses on weekends
  • Longer operating hours.

The proposal would:

When coming up with this proposal, we looked at how well the routes were used and feedback from bus users over the last few years.

Why changes are proposed

With limited funding, we need to make decisions about how best to support and grow the numbers of bus users. If we were to keep Route 135, this would limit our ability to invest in services that reach more people.

By reallocating those resources, we can improve access, reliability and frequency – while keeping alternative options available for those currently using Route 135.

Share your feedback

These proposed route changes are one part of a bigger picture. We’re also reviewing the bus and ferry network within Christchurch and the surrounding townships in Selwyn and Waimakariri.

Complete the survey now to give feedback on this proposal and the network review and go into the draw to win one of three $300 grocery vouchers.

Feedback is open until Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Tell us:

  • How this affects you
  • What works and what doesn’t
  • Whether we’ve missed anything
  • Any suggestions you have.

  • Proposal: Changes to Route 44 Shirley/Westmorland

    This is one of Metro's busiest routes, becoming more popular over the last few years. It is also the least reliable service in the urban network, with around 20% of northbound trips running at least ten minutes late. We know that this isn't good enough, which is why we're proposing changes.

    At the same time, we’ve had requests for better bus access for residents in the growing Prestons area. To meet this demand, we’re proposing to amend Route 44 Shirley/Westmorland so it covers Marshlands Road and extends further into Prestons. This provides better access to about 2000 residents, providing a direct connection to the city centre.

    To improve reliability, we’re also proposing to simplify the route in Westmorland by removing the eastern Ravensdale Rise loop and adding a bus layover point. This will allow extra time for buses time to recover from traffic delays, so each trip starts on time.

    The proposed changes would:

    • Remove The Palms to Dallington section and extend either Route 100 Halswell & Wigram/The Palms or the Orbiter to cover Dallington. Dallington passengers could also transfer at The Palms to Route 7 or Route 60 to reach the city centre.
    • Extend the route to cover Marshlands Road, and North and South Prestons
    • Remove Ravensdale Rise section and stops in Westmorland
    • Introduce layover time in Westmorland to reduce delays
    • Add later services (last bus at 11pm on Saturday and 10pm Sunday) initially on a trial basis.
    • Increase weekend frequency from hourly to every 30 minutes.

    Map showing the routes as they currently are.

    Map showing the proposal: the removal of Route 135, the extension of Route 44 and other servicing routes in this area.




    This is one of Metro's busiest routes, becoming more popular over the last few years. It is also the least reliable service in the urban network, with around 20% of northbound trips running at least ten minutes late. We know that this isn't good enough, which is why we're proposing changes.

    At the same time, we’ve had requests for better bus access for residents in the growing Prestons area. To meet this demand, we’re proposing to amend Route 44 Shirley/Westmorland so it covers Marshlands Road and extends further into Prestons. This provides better access to about 2000 residents, providing a direct connection to the city centre.

    To improve reliability, we’re also proposing to simplify the route in Westmorland by removing the eastern Ravensdale Rise loop and adding a bus layover point. This will allow extra time for buses time to recover from traffic delays, so each trip starts on time.

    The proposed changes would:

    • Remove The Palms to Dallington section and extend either Route 100 Halswell & Wigram/The Palms or the Orbiter to cover Dallington. Dallington passengers could also transfer at The Palms to Route 7 or Route 60 to reach the city centre.
    • Extend the route to cover Marshlands Road, and North and South Prestons
    • Remove Ravensdale Rise section and stops in Westmorland
    • Introduce layover time in Westmorland to reduce delays
    • Add later services (last bus at 11pm on Saturday and 10pm Sunday) initially on a trial basis.
    • Increase weekend frequency from hourly to every 30 minutes.

    Map showing the routes as they currently are.

    Map showing the proposal: the removal of Route 135, the extension of Route 44 and other servicing routes in this area.




  • Proposal: Remove Route 135 New Brighton/The Palms

    This is one of Metro’s lowest-used services. Removing it would free up investment to extend coverage and reliability on Route 44 and improve services for a greater number of people.

    Route 135 travels to Burwood Hospital, Taiora QEII and Shirley Boys’ and Avonside Girls’ High Schools. While the proposal will affect a small number of people, staff are committed to supporting current users of Route 135 to understand their transport options if the route is removed. Options include:

    • Routes 60, 80 and 7 cover most trips, although in some cases a transfer may be needed.
    • School Route 666 to Avonside Girls’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School has already been extended to cover Marine Parade. 
    • School Routes 668 and 669 serve students travelling from Prestons and on Burwood Road.
    • The proposed Route 44 extension to Marshland Rd/The Palms would connect to School Routes 660 and 661, and Route 60).

    Map showing the routes as they currently are.

    Map showing the proposal: the removal of Route 135, the extension of Route 44 and other servicing routes in this area.

    Schools

    Our data shows us that most students are getting on the bus in Prestons, on Bluestone Drive, and on Mairehau Road. Under this proposal, school routes 668 and 669 would serve these customers.

    For more information on the options to suit school students, check out the School services - maps and timetables or call Metro on 03 366 8855

    This is one of Metro’s lowest-used services. Removing it would free up investment to extend coverage and reliability on Route 44 and improve services for a greater number of people.

    Route 135 travels to Burwood Hospital, Taiora QEII and Shirley Boys’ and Avonside Girls’ High Schools. While the proposal will affect a small number of people, staff are committed to supporting current users of Route 135 to understand their transport options if the route is removed. Options include:

    • Routes 60, 80 and 7 cover most trips, although in some cases a transfer may be needed.
    • School Route 666 to Avonside Girls’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School has already been extended to cover Marine Parade. 
    • School Routes 668 and 669 serve students travelling from Prestons and on Burwood Road.
    • The proposed Route 44 extension to Marshland Rd/The Palms would connect to School Routes 660 and 661, and Route 60).

    Map showing the routes as they currently are.

    Map showing the proposal: the removal of Route 135, the extension of Route 44 and other servicing routes in this area.

    Schools

    Our data shows us that most students are getting on the bus in Prestons, on Bluestone Drive, and on Mairehau Road. Under this proposal, school routes 668 and 669 would serve these customers.

    For more information on the options to suit school students, check out the School services - maps and timetables or call Metro on 03 366 8855

Page last updated: 14 May 2026, 03:32 PM