New opening date for Bus Interchange

Christchurch’s new Bus Interchange will open to the public, and services will begin operating from it, on Monday 25 May.

The $53 million facility was originally meant to become operational on May 18, and although construction was on schedule, a software issue meant the system was not reliable enough for the facility to open. This issue is now resolved.

“We have really appreciated people’s understanding and patience while we have worked through this issue,” says Christchurch Central Development Unit Acting Director Baden Ewart.

“I think those who use this facility will be impressed. It also means that the existing Central Station across the road can close, and work on the new Justice and Emergency Services Precinct can proceed in that area.”

The Bus Interchange will open in two stages. Initially half of the 16 bus bays will be operational while construction continues in the second stage area. This second stage, including the remainder of the bus bays, some of the passenger lounge area, some retail areas and a bicycle lock-up area, will open this Winter.

The city’s bus network is operated by Environment Canterbury. Chief Executive Bill Bayfield believes customers will enjoy getting into the new building just in time for Winter.

“Our customers have been amazing over the past three years, using the temporary Central Station and just getting on with it,” he says.

“The new Bus Interchange, while still a work in progress, gets everyone under cover for Winter. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone there on Monday morning.”

The opening of the Bus Interchange means that inner city bus routes will change. Buses are now designated to use Manchester Street, and so routes will change across the central city.

While all CBD bus routes are affected, those with the biggest changes are the Blue Line, the 17, 28 and 29. Customers using these routes are advised to check route maps at metroinfo.co.nz.

ENDS

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