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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  • 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 5 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 6 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 14 days 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 1 month 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 about 1 month ago

    Kia ora,

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

    Ngā mihi, 

    The Metro Team

  • 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 about 1 month 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 about 2 months 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 about 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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

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