We’ve heard from people in Selwyn that Rolleston needs better bus options.
Since 1 September 2025, Metro and Bentley Coachlines have been operating direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East. These combined services are running as a six-month trial.
A new approach for public transport
Environment Canterbury delivers Metro public transport services in Greater Christchurch in partnership with local councils, bus and ferry operators and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
In June 2025, Bentley Coachlines proposed a new commercial commuter service—and it’s a great opportunity to try something new and innovative. We paused work on investigating Metro Route 85 improvements and collaborated on a coordinated timetable between Metro and Bentley services. As a private operator, Bentley Coachlines is not subsidised and does not rely on ratepayer funding.
Share your experience
This is a new hybrid approach to delivering transport options for Rolleston commuters, and we want your feedback!
We’ve heard from people in Selwyn that Rolleston needs better bus options.
Since 1 September 2025, Metro and Bentley Coachlines have been operating direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East. These combined services are running as a six-month trial.
A new approach for public transport
Environment Canterbury delivers Metro public transport services in Greater Christchurch in partnership with local councils, bus and ferry operators and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
In June 2025, Bentley Coachlines proposed a new commercial commuter service—and it’s a great opportunity to try something new and innovative. We paused work on investigating Metro Route 85 improvements and collaborated on a coordinated timetable between Metro and Bentley services. As a private operator, Bentley Coachlines is not subsidised and does not rely on ratepayer funding.
Share your experience
This is a new hybrid approach to delivering transport options for Rolleston commuters, and we want your feedback!
I been using the bus since the inception of the Bentley busses last year, having noticed more passenger number since March this year, some of the busier times have almost or at capacity on the buses to the City and back to Rolleston. I 100% agree with some of the comments below - a 5:30pm bus would be great, I see you have ditched the 5pm bus, so perhaps the 5:10pm can remain and move the 5:20pm bust to 5:30pm instead. One further comment - it would be ideal if the transition could be operated by Metro only, I personally just find this service much more professional and reliable, the busses arrive on time, depart the stops at the designated times and the facilities on the bus are better catered for commuting. The Bentley service is great and the bus drivers have been very friendly and accommodating, but overall I personally have experienced a few occasions where the busses depart the stops to early (not as per time on the timetable - so you end up missing the bus or having to waiting for another if there even is another), or not arrived at all for the timeslot. Also - have noticed the general traffic on the roads do not seem to respect the Bentley buses as they do the Metro buses (not sure if this is something that any of the Bentley bus drivers have mentioned). Loving the service otherwise and I do intend to continue to use the bus service in the future. Thanks.
RBF
asked
9 days ago
Kia ora,
We really appreciate the feedback you've submitted and the time you've taken to share these insights with us.
We have captured this detail.
Thanks again!
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Thank you for adding 84 & 85 Rolleston/Christchurch. Otherwise my walk to catch No5 would be a 20 minute walk which is not ideal when catching the first bus of the day.
I have found the Bentley to be on time, clean and drivers are great.
My thoughts are if they could add a few later bus times on Thursdays/Fridays. Also I would love to be able to put my bike on front. So I am able to catch bus in mornings and ride home in evening unless raining.
Thank you for a wonderful service and hope it continues.
asked
17 days ago
Kia ora,
Thank you for submitting feedback on your experience and for these suggestions.
We have taken note!
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Would be great to have an extra bus in the morning and one at 5.30pm for those who finish after 5pm. The morning bus is so full many are standing which is not a great ride to the city. Especially now with fuel prices more people are catching the bus but also school kids are too so maybe a separate school bus for them.
T3ZNU
asked
21 days ago
Kia ora,
Thank you for submitting feedback about your experience - we have noted down your suggestions.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Hi there. I use the direct service a couple times a week and it is excellent. I really do hope the trial becomes permanent.
It would also be great for the hours to be extended on key nights of the week (e.g Thursday or Friday), even if it were only run hourly.
Happybusser
asked
24 days ago
Kia ora,
Thanks for being a regular user of the services as part of the trial, it's great to hear you've been enjoying it!
We really appreciate the feedback you've submitted on the schedule and have taken note.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
These busses have been great although it would be helpful if the busses from the City to Rolleston continued until a bit later. I regularly work until 5.30pm leaving me to take the significantly slower 5 or 5x bus
ZT
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora,
Thank you for submitting feedback about your experience - we have noted down your suggestion.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Could there be buses after 9.00am in morning for gold card with mobility issues to get to the hospital.
Michelle Patterson
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out with this - we have noted this down. We really appreciate the input!
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Could there be a Metro bus after 8.00am from Braithwaite for gold card uses with mobility issues.
Michelle Patterson
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Michelle,
Thanks for contacting us with this feedback; we have taken note.
Ngā mihi, The Metro Team
Hi Team,
Just a special word of THANKS, you have changed my life since Bus Route 85B was introduced from Rolleston to the City!!!!
Quentin
asked
about 2 months ago
Kia ora Quentin,
Thank you so much for sharing this positive news with us - so great to hear!
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Please extend the bus service to Levi Park residents
Caroline Burnett
asked
about 2 months ago
Kia ora Caroline,
Thank you for contacting us with this suggestion; we have noted this down.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
I really appreciate the new options of service it has helped a lot of residents.
It would be great to see a 6.00am bus to fit in with work start times in the city. Also a 5.30pm and 6.00pm trip home. It gives more options for those that don't finish work at 5.00pm and depending on where you work in the city and getting to the exchange in time. Thank you
Shaz
asked
about 2 months ago
Kia ora Shaz,
Thank you for submitting this feedback. We have noted down your suggestions.
Thank you for your contribution!
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