Now is a better time than ever to consider taking the bus instead of the car.
Transforming public transport
We are transforming the delivery of public transport services to meet the needs of the community, including championing increased density of urban areas and multi-modal transport options to transform urban environments to enrich how people live and work, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from our region’s transport network and urban environments.
We provide three types of public transport in the Canterbury region — urban public transport services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru, subsidised door-to-door transport services for people with mobility impairments as part of our Total Mobility scheme and funding grants for Community Vehicle Trusts. Bus stops, seats, shelters and bus priority measures are provided and maintained by city and district councils.
Our Canterbury Regional Public Transport Plan is updated every three years and includes policies on fares, funding, vehicle quality, service standards, procurement, infrastructure and monitoring. Our metro strategies for Greater Christchurch and Timaru set targets aimed at improving public transport based on public suggestions and the work of our Public Transport Advisory Group.
We also manage the implementation and ongoing operation of technology systems used to support successful delivery of public transport (eg real-time information, ticketing, web services and Bus Interchange operations) to enable the reliable and effective delivery of public transport services.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 29.1 Provide quality public transport services for customers
- a) Ensure ≥95% of all trips depart their timetabled starting location on time
How are we doing: This measure is directly impacted by driver shortages and the current rate for trips departing on time is 90% which is below the 95% target, (this was 91.1% at end of quarter 1).
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 29.1 Provide quality public transport services for customers
- b) Ensure the operational vehicle fleet achieves an average quality score ≥ 80% from audit
- c) Ensure ≥95% of passengers are satisfied or better with the overall service
- 29.2 Provide transport options for those whose mobility choices are restricted by disability and/or location
- 29.3 Reduce the environmental footprint of operating contracted public transport services in the Canterbury region
How are we doing: Our current quality score is greater than the threshold and our annual passenger survey is in progress. We’ve enabled and supported Community Vehicle Trusts in the region and we're on track to meet our 2035 emissions-free goal with the addition of 16 new electric vehicles joining our fleet in December 2022. 20% of Metro’s fleet is now electric.
How are we doing on key initiatives?
How are we doing: We progressed preparations to meet the new fare implementation date of April 2023 following the Government’s decision to extend 50% of fares until the end of March 2023.
How are we doing: Wage increases for bus drivers were implemented from 1 October 2022. Recruitment processes will take some time to mitigate the issue. The Government have announced immigration changes that may also help address driver shortages. Further step change in wages anticipated in April, following Government funding approvals.
How are we doing: Four workstreams are underway (management of interchange, safety officers, cash on buses and review of code of conduct for passengers on buses). Interchange security has been improved. ‘Request for Information’ completed to inform Safety Officer investigation.
How are we doing: Development of business case for new operating model has commenced.
How are we doing: A full review to be planned this quarter.
How are we doing: A feasibility analysis of compressing the programme to 6-8 years has been undertaken and we are assessing potential funding impacts.
How are we doing: The driver shortage is impacting implementation.
How are we doing: Service review planning is underway.
How are we doing: The procurement process is now completed and a public announcement was made in October 2022. The new ticketing solution is expected to be implemented in Greater Christchurch in mid-2024.
How are we doing: Metro’s bus fleet is now 20% zero-emissions with the addition of 16 electric vehicles joining fleet in December. Further purchases are to come for routes 17 & 28.
How are we doing: Waka Kotahi is leading this work. A business case is being progressed.
Recent highlights and updates
Central government, mana whenua, and local government met to mark the beginning of a newly strengthened partnership to drive planning for Greater Christchurch.
New real-time information system replacing the previous radio-based solution with a GPS based solution.
Half-price fares for Metro’s bus and ferry services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru have come into effect for three months from 1 April 2022.