As Greater Christchurch grows, so does our need for a robust public transport system that offers a convenient, cost-effective way to travel with connections to key destinations.
Public transport in Greater Christchurch
Thriving and vibrant, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn are preparing for changes to the way people travel as our population grows.
We’re planning for a future where our city and districts are more liveable, connected and easier to navigate.
As our city and districts grow, so does our need for a robust public transport system that offers a convenient, cost-effective way to travel with connections to key destinations. More people using public transport lessens traffic congestion and helps to reduce transport emissions – supporting a greener and more sustainable future for our communities.
By 2050, up to 700,000 people could be living in Greater Christchurch – 40% more than there are today, with the population potentially doubling to 1 million people in the future, highlighting the need for efficient travel choices.
The good news is more people are choosing public transport. Trials of reduced fares, and more frequent services, saw a 24% increase in the number of people using public transport in 2024 – up from 18 % in 2023.
Annually, 14 million trips are by public transport. This trend is expected to continue so we need to work hard to make sure Greater Christchurch is supported with great public transport.
Planning for our future
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is a voluntary coalition of local councils – Christchurch City, Selwyn, and Waimakariri – alongside Mana whenua, Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council), Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
To help meet the future needs of a growing and changing region, the partnership developed the Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan. It provides a blueprint for how population and business growth will be accommodated into the future, through targeted intensification in and around centres and along public transport corridors, along with the prosperous development of kāinga nohoanga on Māori Land and within urban areas.
One of the key opportunities is to prioritise sustainable and accessible transport choices to move people and goods in a way that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enables access to social, cultural and economic opportunities – benefiting everyone.
The Greater Christchurch Transport Plan (currently under development) identifies the changes to the transport system required to deliver the opportunity and directions of the Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan (GCSP).
The plan focuses on key strategic partnership actions that require a collaborative approach and commitment to succeed. It will provide for consistent and integrated investment in transport and proposes an action plan in the short, medium and longer term.
Roles and responsibilities for public transport
Public transport in Greater Christchurch is delivered by:
Environment Canterbury plans and provides public transport services throughout Greater Christchurch, which includes the Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakiriri District Council areas.
Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakiriri District Council are the road controlling authorities, and are responsible for providing and maintaining passenger transport infrastructure, including bus exchanges, stops, shelters and bus priority measures such as bus priority lanes.
Bus operators Ritchies and Kinetic currently provide the buses and drivers to operate services under contract to Environment Canterbury.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi co-funds public transport in Greater Christchurch.
The business case has been prepared to inform the Greater Christchurch Public Transport Futures Programme (PT Futures) on behalf of the Greater Christchurch Partnership.
The plan will be updated and available for public consultation in late 2024.
The opportunity
To ensure public transport continues to be an affordable, convenient, and attractive travel choice, there are some key improvements we can make that will benefit everyone:
Increasing the frequency of services and expanding coverage, particularly in high-growth areas.
Improving reliability and travel times by implementing bus priority measures, such as dedicated bus lanes.
Enhancing passenger experience by upgrading the ticketing system, having real time information and more electric buses and shelters.
Designing streets to make catching public transport a safe and easy experience such as installing safer crossing facilities and improving our footpaths.
