More express options to the city for Rolleston commuters
Selwyn-based commuters will benefit from more direct buses to and from Christchurch, with the launch of a new collaboration between Metro and Bentley Coachlines.
In June, Bentley Coachlines approached us for approval to run privately operated commuter services from Rolleston to the city. Staff have worked with Bentley Coachlines on options to accommodate this so it can complement existing Metro services for the community. The outcome of this is a coordinated timetable between Metro and Bentley services, offering more services for the Rolleston community with improved frequency.
From 1 September, Metro and Bentley Coachlines services will begin a six-month trial operating direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East.
The new services will boost the number of direct buses travelling between Rolleston and the city from 4 to 16 in each direction on weekdays (32 total trips throughout the day).
Key differences from Metro services
All trips will stop at current Metro Route 85 bus stops at a 10-minute frequency. At the Rolleston end, trips will alternate between covering the East and West sides of the town on a "hail and ride" basis, giving customers the option to access the service from closer to their home.
As a private operator, Bentley Coachlines is not subsidised and does not rely on rate payer funding. It is not part of the Metro network, meaning that it will have its own fare and payment system. Metrocards, free transfers, and concessions will not work on Bentley-operated services and customers will need to check the combined timetable to ensure that they are ready to go on the trip that works best for them.
The map above shows the existing and new routes for route 84 and 85
Twelve of the 16 services in each direction will be operated by Bentley Coachlines, which have a standard fare of $3.50-$4 and will accept contactless card payments and cash. Buses will be fitted with clear signage so that customers can easily distinguish between both services before boarding.
More information, including the combined timetable, is available on metro.co.nz.
Great news for Rolleston commuters
Public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said the trial is a win for the Rolleston community and will help provide more transport options for commuters and customers heading to early morning appointments.
“We know from ongoing customer feedback and submissions on our recent Annual Plan that there is strong demand for better services to and from Rolleston. This collaboration with Bentley Coachlines comes at an excellent time to trial something new and staff will use this to inform the next steps for the community.
“This trial will not only boost the number of direct services, but it will provide easier access to public transport for residents. We expect the introduction of early morning services will be especially helpful for morning shift workers travelling in from Rolleston. Metro will continue to run four services in each direction which will operate with new timings,” he said.
“We’ll be working closely with Bentley Coachlines staff to ensure customers are informed about the new services. This will include signage and our online Metro channels. Metro staff will also be out and about talking to customers of the current 85 service in the days before the change to provide information and answer any questions.
“In addition to monitoring patronage, we’ll also be engaging with customers who use the new services and reviewing feedback to identify any issues. Like with any trial, it’s important that people use the service and have their say.”
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