Accessible workplaces bring social, economic and environmental benefits that strengthen our community. Having more workplaces within 400 metres of bus stops improves connectivity and access to jobs, supporting economic and social wellbeing. It also reduces reliance on private vehicles, helping to alleviate road congestion, lower carbon emissions and promote a greater quality of life.
Improving public transport accessibility is aligned with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport and the Ministry of Transport Te Manatū Waka’s Outcomes Framework, as well as included in the Regional Public Transport Plan and the Regional Land Transport Plan.
Together, these measures provide a comprehensive view of public transport accessibility in Greater Christchurch. By analysing the data, we can understand trends in accessibility, assess the effectiveness of current public transport services, and identify areas needing further improvement.
Greater Christchurch
We gather data from public transport operational records, Remix (the transport planning and scheduling software we use) and Census data from Stats NZ. Our network data (bus stops and routes) can be updated annually to reflect changes to the public transport network. Workplace location data has historically been sourced from the Census and updated every five years. However, following the cancellation of the 2028 Census, there is no confirmed source or timeframe for the next update to workplace location data. Work is underway to identify an alternative data source to support ongoing reporting of this measure.
Environment Canterbury is responsible for public transport services, working with our partner councils who are responsible for public transport infrastructure.
Service improvements to our public transport network are subject to the availability of co-funding through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). Due to increasing cost pressures, the 2024-27 NLTP provided very limited funding for public transport service improvements nationally. Despite these constraints, 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" level of service along this key corridor. This improvement was delivered in partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Christchurch City Council, which implemented bus priority measures along the route to improve service reliability and support the increased frequency of this key public transport corridor.
Routes 84 and 85 (Rolleston/City Direct) service improvements were launched in September 2025 through a public-private partnership with Bentley Coachlines, believed to be 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 it into the Metro network. The change provided a consistent customer experience and supported additional express services in response to strong patronage growth and capacity pressures. The service is currently funded entirely through local share. This included the addition of new stops improving access to the bus network.
We can improve public transport accessibility by optimising routes and increasing service frequencies and coverage.
Partner councils, such as Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council, play a significant role by providing and maintaining the infrastructure required for public transport.
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.
Learn more about the MyWay by Metro services in Timaru.
Christchurch City Council offers free workplace travel panning
NZTA provides guidance on bus stop location planning.
Download the 2024/25 results for O1: Percentage of workplaces in Greater Christchurch and Timaru within 400 metres of network bus stops is increasing (PDF file, 267.5KB)