Public transport network review

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Metro bus and ferry network review in May and June 2026. 

During the review we asked people:

• what works and what doesn’t
• what would encourage you to use public transport more often
• which changes we should prioritise across the network
• what would make the biggest difference for you and your family.

Around 11,000 people and 40 community organisations shared their experiences, ideas and priorities for public transport across Christchurch and urban Selwyn and Waimakariri. 

While we know some people would like to see service to towns further afield, or rail options, progressed, these are outside the scope of this review.

The feedback provided a clear picture of how people use public transport, the barriers they face, and where they would like to see improvements made. 

People want to use public transport more 

One of the strongest messages was that people want to use public transport more often if services better met their needs. 

Many participants told us they see public transport as an important part of Greater Christchurch's future and would use it more regularly if it was easier, faster and more convenient. 

Frequency matters 

The most common request was for more frequent services. 

People told us they want shorter wait times and services that run more often throughout the day, particularly outside peak commuting hours. 

Better coverage is needed 

Feedback highlighted some areas where public transport access does not meet community needs, particularly in growing residential areas. 

Many participants wanted better public transport access for communities including Halswell, Rolleston, Lincoln, West Melton, Belfast and Yaldhurst, as well as improved access to employment, education and healthcare destinations. 

Direct and connected journeys 

People told us they value services that are reliable, easy to understand and well connected. 

More direct routes, improved transfers between services and better connections between communities were recurring themes throughout the engagement. 

The core Metro network remains important 

The feedback also reinforced the importance of Metro's core high-frequency routes, including the Orbiter and Routes 1 Rangiora-Cashmere, 3 Airport-Sumner, 5 Rolleston-New Brighton and 7 Halswell-Queenspark. 

These routes carry a significant proportion of current patronage and remain critical to supporting future network growth. 

What happens next? 

The network review is a multi-year programme and no decisions have been made about future service changes. 

One of the challenges highlighted through the review is balancing wider network coverage with frequent services. Communities have told us they want both, however delivering both requires significant investment in public transport infrastructure and services. 

This engagement is an important first step, providing valuable evidence of community priorities. The engagement findings will now be combined with technical analysis and other planning information to develop a recommended future network and, ultimately, a range of investment options. 

The community is expected to have another opportunity to have a say through the Long-Term Plan 2027-37 process in early 2027.