Improving public transport for Selwyn

Better bus services for Rolleston to City

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).

Earlier this year, Council adopted the Annual Plan 2025/26 and approved a ratepayer-funded trial to improve Route 85 (Rolleston–Christchurch).

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!

🚌 Share your experience using Metro and Bentley services anytime

Better bus services for Rolleston to City

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).

Earlier this year, Council adopted the Annual Plan 2025/26 and approved a ratepayer-funded trial to improve Route 85 (Rolleston–Christchurch).

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!

🚌 Share your experience using Metro and Bentley services anytime

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  • Could there be buses after 9.00am in morning for gold card with mobility issues to get to the hospital.

    Michelle Patterson asked 7 days 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 7 days 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 13 days 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 17 days 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 18 days ago

    Kia ora Shaz,

    Thank you for submitting this feedback. 
    We have noted down your suggestions.

    Ngā mihi, 
    The Metro Team

  • Need faster connection from Lincoln end of Rolleston..40 mins to Kidman on bus is too long - need an hourly express that goes straight from Lincoln to Rolleston stopping at say 3 stops only.

    Newtobussing asked 25 days ago

    Kia ora,


    Thanks so much for sharing feedback! We have made note of this suggestion.

    Ngā mihi, 

    The Metro Team

  • Just as a feedback for adding more frequent Buses no. 85 East (Rolleston to City Direct and Vice-versa). Right now it is around 50 min gap which seems to be quite long.

    abc asked 26 days ago

    Kia ora,

    Thank you for giving us feedback on this, we appreciate it! 

    We have noted this down.

    Ngā mihi, 

    The Metro Team

  • Hi, I kindly request that you remind drivers (especially of Bentley services) to keep the radio at a reasonable level. The volume should not interfere with passengers’ comfort.

    Nat asked about 1 month ago

    Kia ora Nat,

    Thank you for submitting feedback - we will pass this on.

    Ngā mihi, 

    The Metro Team

  • Is the service going to conclude soon at the end of the trial? I rely on the service to commute now so I need to know whether I'll have to make alternative arrangements.

    Steven asked about 2 months ago

    Kia ora Steven,

    Thank you so much for being a regular user of the services as part of the trial.

    If there are any changes to the schedule, we will ensure that they are communicated.

    Ngā mihi,

    The Metro Team



  • I’m finding the improved 84/85 service excellent. Please continue this service. In particular, the 10-minute frequency is very convenient, as I don’t need to rush to catch a specific bus and can instead leave when it suits me, knowing the maximum wait is only about 10 minutes. A few points of feedback: • I have generally found the Bentley buses to provide a better overall experience, with tidier and more comfortable buses, friendlier drivers, and a smoother driving style. • The city-to-Rolleston service at around 5pm can take up to 30 minutes just to get from the interchange to the start of the motorway. I wonder if a more efficient route is possible. • Boarding on Bentley buses can sometimes be slow due to slow payment method.

    LM asked 2 months ago

    Kia ora,

    Thank you so much for submitting feedback! We have noted this down.

    Ngā mihi, 

    The Metro Team

Page last updated: 10 Mar 2026, 08:33 AM