Northern Star service launched

Northern Star Metro service connecting Christchurch to Waimakariri District
towns begins Monday, October 30, 2006

A new bright blue Metro bus service, named the Northern Star, takes off on Monday October 30 for people travelling to and from Rangiora, Woodend, Kaiapoi and Waikuku. The service is in response to feedback from 700 residents of the North Canterbury towns who mostly wanted an improved, Metro-style service.

Metro timetable information will be displayed at most bus stops and main stops will have real time information displays so people will know how far away the bus is. Most Northern Star buses, which are operated by Christchurch Bus Services under contract to ECan, are easy-access, low-floor models. This means they are user friendly for anyone who avoids steps, or for parents with prams or buggies, and anyone in a wheelchair.

The new service features an express journey to and from Rangiora and Christchurch (number 90), which will run every 30 minutes weekdays and Saturdays and hourly Sundays and evenings. During the morning and afternoon weekday peaks there will also be a service which includes the Woodend/Waikuku link (number 92).

There will also be shuttle services connecting Waikuku and Woodend to Rangiora and Kaiapoi (912 and 913). "This shuttle service has been timed to meet with the Rangiora Express service for people travelling to and from Christchurch to Woodend and Waikuku," said ECan chair of public passenger transport, Cr Nicky Wagner. "All services give better coverage of the Rangiora urban area and better access to Rangiora and Kaiapoi shopping centres, which is a positive change for these retail centres."

Northern Star passengers will be able to use their Metrocard to transfer free (within two hours of getting on board for the first ride) to other bus routes in Christchurch like the Orbiter or Metrostar.

The cost of the new service is also cheaper than the existing service cost of $13 from Rangiora to the city and back for an adult.

Using a Metrocard, the Northern Star cost will be $7.50 capped daily cost from Rangiora or $5.20 capped daily cost from Kaiapoi. The cash cost of the Northern Star from Rangiora to the city and back would be $10 and Kaiapoi to the city and back $7.

ENDS

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