How do we measure the result?
The Greater Christchurch population is estimated as 93.2 per cent of the combined populations of Christchurch City, Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts, based on data from Statistics New Zealand Tatauranga Aotearoa.
Unique riders are identified using current ticketing system data. Annual surveys are used to estimate the number of riders who are visitors to Greater Christchurch, and this number is excluded from the unique passenger calculations.
What work have we undertaken to contribute to this outcome?
Public transport service improvements depend on co-funding from the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which offered very limited funding nationally for 2024-27 due to cost pressures. Despite this, Environment Canterbury secured funding for one of the few significant public transport service improvements approved nationally: a frequency increase on Route 7 (Halswell to Queenspark), introduced in April 2025, which delivered a "turn up and go" service every 10 minutes on weekdays between 5:30am and 6:30pm, and every 15 minutes outside of those hours and on weekends along this key corridor.
This has generated strong patronage growth (15 per cent annually, above network average), reduced overcrowding, and improved service capacity and the customer experience. Bus priority measures from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Christchurch City Council have supported reliability for this increased frequency.
Routes 84 and 85 (Rolleston/City Direct) launched in September 2025 through a public-private partnership - one of the first of its kind in New Zealand. Following a successful trial, Environment Canterbury took over delivery of the service from 10 August 2026, integrating the service into the Metro network, adding new bus stops, and supporting additional express services in response to strong patronage growth. The service is currently funded entirely through local share.
Waitaha Canterbury is the first region in New Zealand to roll out the National Ticketing Solution (Motu Move), beginning in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri in April 2025 with contactless card and digital payments (e.g. Google Pay and Apply Pay) on all Metro buses and ferries. As of 23 September 2026, customers can link their Child, Youth, Total Mobility, Community Services Card or SuperGold concession to either a debit or credit card, smartphone, smartwatch or a Motu Move card by creating a Motu Move account at motumove.govt.nz. Motu Move is expected to roll out in Timaru once the new ticketing system has been fully implemented in Greater Christchurch.
We remain committed to boosting public transport uptake through Public Transport Futures (PT Futures), delivering more high-frequency services, revamped routes, and new connections, all aimed at improving travel times, reliability, accessibility and air quality while reducing congestion.
Who else plays a role?
We can influence the availability, reliability, and attractiveness of public transport services. This includes route planning, service frequency, fare price and structure, and the introduction of new technologies and infrastructure improvements.
Partner councils, such as Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council, play a significant role by providing and maintaining the infrastructure required for public transport such as bus priority measures, shelters and stops.
National transport agencies, the Ministry of Transport Te Manatū Waka and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have the ultimate influence over public transport due to their key roles in setting national transport policies and funding for public transport.
How does this link to our Climate Action Plan?
This measure is directly linked to Action H in our Climate Action Plan Te Mahere Huringa Āhuarangi: Take a collaborative approach to enabling a resilient and low-emissions transport network. This action aims to make public transport a sustainable, equitable and attractive alternative to private car travel, and to provide regional leadership in reducing land transport emissions. More people choosing public transport is one of the clearest signs that we are making progress towards this action.
Find out more about our Climate Action Plan.
Where can I find more information?
NZTA publishes data about public transport performance across Aotearoa New Zealand on a quarterly basis.
Learn more about our commitment to Public Transport Futures and the suite of network improvements aiming to increase inclusive access to public transport.
Download the 2024/25 results for M1: Percentage of Greater Christchurch population using public transport in the last year is increasing (PDF file, 270.2KB)
