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!
Selwyn is more than just Rolleston! What about a service to Tai Tapu (could be an extension to the #7 route) - even if it's just hourly?
TT resident
asked
21 days ago
Kia ora,
Thank you for submitting feedback.
We will add your suggestion to the evaluation of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Hi is there any chance that bus can cover full Shillingford boulevard?
Ron
asked
26 days ago
Kia ora Ron,
Thanks for reaching out with your question.
We will add this into the evaluation of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
I live in Christchurch and work in Rolleston, and would like to have the option to change from my local bus to an 84 or 85 at the city interchange in the morning, then back again in the evening. Is that something that will be considered for future services?
Alana
asked
26 days ago
Kia ora Alana,
Thank you for getting in touch.
We will add your suggestion to the evaluation of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
I wanted to share my appreciation for the excellent bus services 85B. They are reliable, convenient, and make daily travel much easier for many of us. Please continue running these services, as they play an important role in our community. **Please do not stop this service **
Thank you for the great work.
Hari
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Hari,
Thanks for taking the time to submit feedback.
We’re glad to hear the bus service has been working well for you and has been helping to make travel easier each day. We appreciate your support and for emphasizing the value this service brings to the community.
We will add your feedback to the review of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
Hi there, I believe the 84 and 85 trial service is until end of Feb. any chance the services are getting extended. Would love for it to be extended because it is so convenient. I live in Acland park and use the 85B bus almost everyday
Meena
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Meena,
Thank you for sharing your experience - we really appreciate the input.
We will add your feedback to the review of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
I have started using this service as I drive from a rural area and park at Rolleston and catch the 84/85 into the city. It saves me on fuel and parking which is great and is so quick into the city. My only complaint could be seen as a compliment which is can you please put more times on after 5.25pm from the Christchurch hospital stop. A lot of people work 9-5.30pm or some even work till 6pm.
Also this would be a great service to offer at night when there are events on in the city… maybe something to consider in the future.
Lauren
asked
about 1 month ago
Kia ora Lauren,
Thanks so much for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear the service is saving you time, fuel, and parking costs.
We really appreciate your suggestion about adding more evening trips - we will add this into the review of the trial.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience.
Ngā mihi, The Metro Team
The addition of the Bentley buses is amazing! Things were getting pretty desperate before Bentley started their service. One thing I have noticed on a reasonably regular basis is that the Metro Bus due at the interchange at 3.50pm is just about always late, and only arrives a couple of minutes before the 4pm Bentley Bus (which is always on time!). The passengers get on the Metro Bus and the Bentley Bus misses a large number of passengers as a result. This doesn't seem fair given the Bentley Bus runs on time and doesn't get the subsidised funding.
Jojo
asked
about 2 months ago
Kia ora Jojo,
Thanks so much for providing feedback.
We appreciate you flagging the timing issue you’ve noticed at the Interchange.
We will add your feedback towards the review of the trial.
Ngā mihi,
The Metro Team
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
about 2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months ago
Kia ora Deborah,
Apologies for the late reply.
Thank you for submitting this feedback, we appreciate hearing from you.
Thank you for your contribution!
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