Having more households within 400 metres of bus stops improves accessibility to public transport and overall connectivity. This not only reduces reliance on private vehicles which supports community health but also enhances quality of life by ensuring all residents can access essential services easily.
This 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 our network information (updated annually) and Census data from Stats NZ. Work is underway to revise the source of population data following the announcement of the cancellation of the 2028 Census. Household 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 household 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 is reported in more detail under Outcome M1.
Routes 84 and 85 (Rolleston/City Direct) service improvements were launched in September 2025 through a public-private partnership with Bentley Coachlines. They included new bus stops, improving access to the bus network. Following the trial, Environment Canterbury took over delivery of the additional services, with funding confirmed through the Annual Plan 2026/27. This service is reported in more detail under Outcome M1.
We can implement policies, provide funding, and enhance service routes and frequencies to improve household accessibility to key centres.
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 have the ultimate influence over public transport due to their key roles in setting national transport policies and funding for public transport.
Transforming public transport – find details about our commitment to Public Transport Futures and the suite of network improvements aiming to increase inclusive access to public transport.
NZTA provides guidance on bus stop location planning.
Download the 2024/25 results for P2: Percentage of households in Greater Christchurch within 400 metres of network bus stops is increasing (PDF file, 261.1KB)