Christchurch residents are being asked for their thoughts on a proposal for a new bus interchange
October 22, 2013
A new bus interchange is being proposed in Christchurch, NZ, as part of a plan to link the outskirts of the city with the centre.
Bus passengers, residents and businesses are being asked their thoughts on the proposal to introduce a new bus interchange in Riccarton Road.
The interchange proposal includes a cafe, along with a waiting area and real time bus information.
Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury have asked for feedback on the plan, which will support the new Hubs and Spokes public transport model being introduced following the earthquakes.
The model aims to connect urban hubs with the city centre.
Asset and Network Planning Acting Manager Ron Clarke says Riccarton Road is a key suburban hub for bus passengers in Christchurch.
“Providing a modern safe hub where passengers can sit, socialise and enjoy a coffee and a snack while they wait will greatly enhance their commuting experience,” he says.
More than 2800 people board a bus in Riccarton Road each day.
“This number has grown 40 per cent since the February 2011 earthquake, showing the importance of Riccarton as a destination in Christchurch today,” says Clarke.
The proposal for the interchange comes ahead of a corridor study being carried out along the Riccarton Road route which will consider how to improve public transport in the area.
Any work done now will be complementary to future planning and the community will have further opportunity to comment before any other improvements are considered.
Further details about how the public can submit views on the proposal will be available on the Christchurch City Council website www.ccc.govt.nz later this week.