We’ve heard from people in Selwyn that Rolleston needs better bus options.
From 1 September, Metro and Bentley Coachlines services will operate direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East. These combined services will run 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, 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!
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Together with Bentley, we’ll review feedback regularly and run surveys mid-way through the trial and at the end to help decide what’s next.
Better bus services for Rolleston to City
We’ve heard from people in Selwyn that Rolleston needs better bus options.
From 1 September, Metro and Bentley Coachlines services will operate direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East. These combined services will run 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, 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!
Just wanted to say how great this service has been and I hope it continues beyond the initial trial period.
Going back to the old 5 and 85 only would feel even worse now!
I can get to work earlier and have less stress about what time I leave the office to rush to catch one of the overcrowded direct buses home.
Rach
asked
8 days ago
Kia ora Rach,
Thanks for submitting feedback on the trial.
We’re really pleased to hear how beneficial the service has been for you, particularly in reducing stress and improving flexibility for your commute.
Thanks again for letting us know about your experience.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Comparing the existing route 5 to 84/85 is night and day difference. I can easily see myself using public transport way more often if the services ran all day including on weekends. I realise there are currently operational constraints to those sort of improvements however I'd love to see them some day.
The only other thing I have to suggest is maybe some stops for connecting with buses to places such as Riccarton. Thinking something like the WX1 up in Auckland where it comes off the motorway so you can transfer. If 84/85 had that then it would be even more useful while not compromising speed like 5 does.
Steven
asked
15 days ago
Kia ora Steven,
Thank you for getting in touch with this feedback. Your suggestions towards the trial are appreciated!
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
It's a great help for me having a bus roaming around Rolleston area since I don't drive . Will you please continue the service.thanks.
I would like to inquire also if the service will continue even if it's school holiday.thank you and hoping for a reply from you
DEBORAH
asked
24 days ago
Kia ora Deborah,
Apologies for the late reply.
Thank you for submitting this feedback, we appreciate hearing from you.
If you have any further questions, reach out to Metro: 03 366 88 55 or Bentley (84B and 85B): 03 595 2168
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
As a secondary student this new service has had an extraordinarily amazing impact on my schooling. What used to be a 6:30 wake up to be driven 15 minutes to Rolleston and then stand for periods of up to an hour to arrive at school almost an hour early has now been replaced with a 7:40 wake up and to arrive at school just before it starts, and having a seat makes the journey so much more simpler and takes unnecessary stress out of the school day. Whats even better is with the addition of earlier services in the afternoon I can now cruise down the motorway rather than trudge through the traffic swamp that is Riccarton and Hornby and increase my sleep hours. This is truly an amazing service.
Xavier
asked
19 days ago
Kia ora Xavier,
Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
It’s awesome to hear how much of a difference the new service has made to your school day. Getting more sleep, avoiding long waits, having a seat, and an easier trip home are great improvements. Glad to hear that the earlier afternoon services are helping you miss the traffic and get home more comfortably.
We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know—feedback is added to the review of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Also evening services would be great - until 9 pm or so.
Lisa
asked
about 1 month ago
Thanks Lisa - we will add this into our feedback for the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Excellent service, it makes such a huge difference for me. Using the old 85 only service was very congested and not very accessible- the extra services resolve so many barriers and make it much more comfortable. The Bentley drivers are so friendly and go above and beyond too. Would love to see services run a little earlier in the day, on weekends too. I also driver if services could operate both ways in mornings and evenings as the buses need to travel back and forth anyway?
Lisa
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Lisa,
Great to hear this - thank you for your support! Your suggestions towards the trial are appreciated.
Ngā mihi, The Metro Team
Why doenst this direct route run on Saturdays ?
Caitlyn
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Caitlyn,
Thank you for your question - we will add this to the trial review for consideration.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Recently moved to Rolleston and have been enjoying using this great service! Please keep up the good work. Super convenient. There seems to be an area of Rolleston (Shadbolt Lane and surrounds) that has missed out on being included in the route. Bentley drivers are super friendly and the buses are clean and tidy. Thank you very much.
Max
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Max,
Thank you for your feedback. We will add this as contribution towards the review. Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
The 84 and 85 bus from Rolleston to the City should also stop at the University of Canterbury. The University is a large employer and has many students. It makes no sense to take this bus to the city and then catch another bus out of the city to the University.
Glen
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Glen,
Thank you for submitting this feedback, we appreciate it! We've noted down your suggestions towards the review.
Ngā mihi, The Metro Team
Has the timetable from the City to Rolleston changed? I normally catch the Bentley 85 Monday and Wednesday at 4.40pm, but for the last week it has been the 84? Likewise, when I’ve waited to catch the Metro 85 at 5.20pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, for the last week or so, it has not arrived until 5:30-5:40pm, and a Bentley 84 has arrived at 5.20pm. This is not what is reflected in the current amended timetable on the metro website. Would be great if this could be clarified :)
T James
asked
2 months ago
Kia ora,
Thank you for reaching out. The current amended timetable on the Metro website is still correct.
There is facility/infrastructure construction currently underway in the Central City which is having an impact on the traffic flow along this route; hopefully this context has provided some clarification to any delays experienced.
Please get back in touch if you have any further questions.
Thank you for your contribution!
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