Orbiter review - Ilam area

In early September, Council accepted the recommendation to make Waimairi Rd, the current route, permanent.

Public consultation showed a strong preference to continue with the current route. The Orbiter, referred to by some as the “shoppers’ bus”, is well used to access Bush Inn, Church Corner, and adjacent businesses.

Will there be any changes?

The present service will continue.

Christchurch City Council will be looking to improve the bus stops adjacent to Homestead Lane and Athol Tce. This will complement the pedestrian zone along Homestead Lane and cater for the residents at the Parkstone Retirement Village.

In early September, Council accepted the recommendation to make Waimairi Rd, the current route, permanent.

Public consultation showed a strong preference to continue with the current route. The Orbiter, referred to by some as the “shoppers’ bus”, is well used to access Bush Inn, Church Corner, and adjacent businesses.

Will there be any changes?

The present service will continue.

Christchurch City Council will be looking to improve the bus stops adjacent to Homestead Lane and Athol Tce. This will complement the pedestrian zone along Homestead Lane and cater for the residents at the Parkstone Retirement Village.

  • A summary: feedback results

    • Waimairi Rd, Option A, was the preferred route with 61%
    • The Orbiter is a popular bus, the “shoppers’ bus”, that is mainly used to access malls, shops and appointments.
    • There is a large interest in the route as shown by the 801 submissions received.
    • There is a large elderly population on both routes including private homes and retirement villages.
    • The Bupa Parkstone Retirement Village with 160 residents, are a major user of the Orbiter.
    • The Church Corner area including Bush Inn, adjacent shops and medical centres are a key destination for bus patrons.
    • University students prefer Ilam Rd as it is closer to the main campus and would encourage bus use and reduce parking congestion.
    • School students, especially non-zoned schools, use the current route.

  • Detailed results and comments

    61% - 485 people chose Option A – Waimairi Rd

    36% - 288 people chose Option B – Ilam Rd

    24 people did not choose either option and offered different “other” route suggestions (noted below)

    The Orbiter tends to be the “shoppers’ bus” with shopping and appointments the main reason for trips. The Orbiter is also popular for commuting to work, school and tertiary study.

    The majority of submitted also indicated that they use other bus routes, demonstrating that the Orbiter is valued as a connection to the wider network. Routes 3, 5 and 100 were the most popular which all provide transfers on Riccarton Rd between Ilam Rd and Waimairi Rd.

    Access to the University was a key issue for the supporters of the Ilam Rd option, with 162 of the 281 submitters commenting on student access. In general, comments from submitters were about making life easier, that they would use the Orbiter more, and that it would save them either transferring from another bus or walking through Ilam fields.

    Current bus services were also noted by 55 people, saying that there are already two buses servicing Ilam Rd. 29 people said that the Orbiter was the only service along Waimairi Rd.

    The Ilam Rd cycleway was noted by many. This included both the recent completion of the section between Riccarton Rd and Creyke Rd and the section yet to be constructed from Creyke Rd to Memorial Ave. Many commented that this narrowing of the road was a good reason not to add the Orbiter to the present and future congestion. Conversely, a few people felt that Ilam Rd should be left for buses and cyclists.

    Satisfaction with the Orbiter service

    Overall, the Orbiter provides a valued and well-used service.

Page last updated: 03 Oct 2022, 11:15 AM