Bus Interchange opening postponed

Technical issues with the automated system at Christchurch’s new Bus Interchange has meant the operational opening of the facility will be postponed.

The city’s bus network had been scheduled to begin working from the Bus Interchange from Monday 18 May, but last minute software issues have meant the system is not reliable enough to be rolled out.

The current temporary central bus station will remain in place and bus services will not be disrupted.

Acting director of the Christchurch Central Development Unit Baden Ewart says the postponement is hugely disappointing as the first stage of the Bus Interchange facility build has been built to schedule.

He says the contractor, Southbase, has worked extremely hard to build the facility over the past 11 months.

“But the point is to have a transport system operating smoothly, and without the guarantee of this it is not prudent for buses or passengers to use the facility.”

The city’s bus network is operated by Environment Canterbury. The organisation’s Chief Executive Bill Bayfield says the operating software is crucial to enabling customers to use the facility efficiently.

“To ensure the Interchange works for our customers in the way it has been designed, we need to have the entire system running smoothly before we change over from the current Central Station.”

A new opening date will be announced as soon as possible.

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