How many buses per day would travel through Sovereign Palms?

    On weekdays there would be 16 buses in each direction, 32 in total. On Saturdays there would be 13 buses in each direction, 26 in total. On Sundays there would be 11 buses in each direction, 22 in total.

    How do the proposed changes fit in with the work being done on the Northern Motorway?

    Later this year, we will be consulting with Waimakariri residents on the types of commuter services that could use the Northern Arterial Motorway when it opens in 2020, and how such services would be funded. Any new bus options in the future would complement the services set out in this proposal. 

    If new commuter services are introduced when the motorway opens, we may consider changes to the frequency of the Blue Line's peak frequency, reflecting that many passengers may move across to these new services. 

    The Blue Line and 95 would not change route when the motorway opens as they provide important connections to key parts of Christchurch like Belfast, Northwood, Northlands and Merivale for people from Waimakariri. 

    Are you considering bus services for towns in the Waimakariri district that don’t currently have a bus service?

    Towns that aren’t already serviced by public transport are not in scope for this consultation. This review needs to be done within the existing funding package and at this time we don't have any extra budget for new services – we are looking at how we can reallocate existing resources.

    Are school services included in this review?

    School bus services that go from the Waimakariri district to schools in Christchurch are not being reviewed as a part of this service review. These routes are looked at annually, and revised if needed based upon their current usage, as well as school operating times. Any change to these routes happens at the beginning of each school year.

    Bus services provided to Kaiapoi and Rangiora schools from the surrounding rural areas are coordinated and funded by the Ministry of Education in consultation with the schools and are therefore not reviewed by Environment Canterbury.

    Are you increasing the frequency of the Blue Line as set out in the Regional Public Transport Plan?

    Increasing the frequency of our core routes is part of the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP), adopted at the end of 2018. The actions in the RPTP will be implemented over a 10-year time frame. One of the first actions we are undertaking is to review the existing bus services in Waimakariri. Frequency improvements to core routes across the whole public transport network will be implemented in a staged approach, with timings and order still to be confirmed.