To bus or not to bus? That's the question we're asking our community.

Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is inviting residents to give feedback on the Metro bus and ferry services across Christchurch and parts of Waimakariri and Selwyn.

Feedback will help shape the future of public transport, address gaps in the current network, and inform improvements over the next decade (2027-37).

The review does not include trains, light rail, fares, or requests for service outside the current area served by the Metro network.

New housing developments across Christchurch and surrounding areas, alongside major anchor projects including Te Pae Convention Centre, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, and Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, are transforming where people live, work, and play. Improving public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce congestion, support growth, and keep people moving around the city. Without it, pressure on our roads will continue to increase.

Everyone is encouraged to have their say, whether they use public transport or not, at ecan.govt.nz/metroreview. Feedback is open until Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Public Transport Core Service Lead Councillor Joe Davies said the review is a significant milestone for the region.

"This is an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at our public transport network, and it's an exciting moment for our communities. We want to make sure what we deliver over the next decade truly reflects what people need," he said.

"Whether you use the Metro network every day or have never set foot on a bus or ferry, your perspective matters. Every voice we hear helps us build a clearer picture of what our communities need from public transport, now and into the future. This is your network, and this is your chance to help shape it."

Proposed changes to Route 44 and Route 135

As part of this review, we are also seeking feedback on a proposal to improve Route 44 Shirley/Westmorland and remove Route 135 New Brighton/The Palms, one of our lowest-performing routes.

Proposed changes to Route 44 will improve the reliability of the service, adjust the route so there is better access to residents in Prestons and increase service to every 30-minutes on weekends. Funding for this would come from the removal of Route 135. Other services have been adjusted to minimise the number of customers affected by the change.

People can find out more about this proposal at ecan.govt.nz/metroreview44-135.

To give feedback, fill out our survey at ecan.govt.nz/metroreview, call 0800 324 636, or pick up a feedback form from your local library.

Feedback closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

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