November 4, 2009

MEDIA STATEMENT

New bus route connecting Halswell to the hospital

Improvements to Environment Canterbury’s Christchurch Metro services came into effect on Monday, November 2 with the Number 7 bus from Halswell to the city now stopping at Christchurch Public Hospital.

To mark the first day of the new timetables, Environment Canterbury councillors for Christchurch South Sir Kerry Burke and Professor Bob Kirk wanted to be among the first passengers to make the journey.

“On the face of it, this might seem like a small change, but it’s been a long journey to get this far,” says Sir Kerry.

“Good things do indeed come to those who wait, but the Halswell community has most certainly not sat back and waited. They have made their views clear from the start and have worked with us to make this important connection,” he says.

“A local resident, Joyce Fleming began her campaign some time ago, but missed out at the time because service reviews only happen every five years. It may well have been her efforts that made all the difference,” says Sir Kerry.

Councillor Kirk says that when a community pulls together like this, it is time to listen and make changes and that’s just what Environment Canterbury has done.

“Not just on this route but with improvements to our Metro service right across Greater Christchurch. It would be great to meet Joyce on the bus someday and to ask her how she feels now that her hard work has come to fruition,” says Cr Kirk.

“Halswell and Addington people who work at or near the hospital and students at Hagley Community College or Otago University School of Medicine now have the option of leaving their cars at home. People who can’t drive - often seniors who may need frequent access to the hospital can also get there easily and affordably.”

For new routes and timetables, go to www.metroinfo.co.nz or call 366 88 55.

ENDS

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