Transforming public transport

Published 13/03/2024

Bus at bus stop near Christchurch hospital

We are committed to creating a smarter, faster, and more sustainable way for you to get around. The Public Transport Futures (PT Futures) programme is underway across Greater Christchurch, aimed at improving your public transport experience over the next seven years.

Already, over 12.5 million passenger trips were taken on our Greater Christchurch network in 2023, and the momentum is building towards our goal of 20 million trips by 2030, enabled by a range of improvements already introduced this year, including our flat fare trial.

At the same time, we've actively listened to the community's repeated calls for improved reliability, increased frequency, and broader coverage.

We know the community wants these improvements sooner rather than later.

That’s why, as part of our 2024 Long-Term Plan, we're proposing that we accelerate PT Futures, ensuring you reap the benefits sooner, over the next seven years.

What’s the plan?

Buses in depotPT Futures focuses on improving bus frequency and reliability on our core routes, with later enhancements to the rest of the network. It includes upgraded shelters and digital displays for your comfort and convenience.

The PT Futures Plan has been developed and approved by the Greater Christchurch Partnership, a coalition of local government, mana whenua and government agencies working collaboratively for better public transport.

Our goal is to make leaving the car at home a no-brainer – offering you an accessible and convenient public transport system equipped with high-quality, zero-emission vehicles and top-notch facilities.

Find out more about our plans to transform public transport.

Bus at bus stop Turn Up and Go schedules

Already, the first stage of PT Futures is having a positive impact, with the introduction of 'Turn Up and Go' schedules on two of our most popular routes - The Orbiter and Route 3.

Turn Up and Go schedules simplify your journey. There’s no need to check timetables - just turn up and catch a bus quickly.

These high frequency schedules run every ten minutes all week and every 15 minutes in the evening and weekends.

We are looking forward to introducing our next stage of frequency improvements, including Turn Up and Go frequencies for Route 7 in 2024/25, and then on Route 1 and Route 5 in 2025/26. Further enhancements will also be introduced on The Orbiter, Route 3, and Route 8 where needed.

By 2026/27, expect enhanced frequencies on existing city-bound services from Lincoln, Rolleston, Rangiora, and Kaiapoi, and increased service on high-demand routes such as Route 8.

Bus interchange ChristchurchWhat’s next?

PT Futures is more than just increased frequencies; it's about crafting a network that caters to the needs of our growing communities.

By 2025, a thorough review of connector and local services will identify improvements for implementation by 2031 (subject to funding), responding directly to the demands on our public transport network.

As well as providing more buses, more often, several other improvements are gradually transforming our public transport system under the PT Futures programme.

These include:

Have your say on future public transport

This isn't just a plan; it's a commitment to deliver reduced congestion, improved air quality, and increased accessibility.

We invite you to explore the details of our Long-Term Plan investments on the Environment Canterbury website and join us in shaping the future of public transport.

These planned improvements are subject to funding approval through the Long-Term Plan as well as the National Land Transport Plan which is administered by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Further information: