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Prioritising transport

Christchurch, NZ, will boost its public transport as plans as part of the city re-build have been released

By Amie Hickland| November 4, 2013

New Zealand’s public transport system in Christchurch will get a boost after a recently released plan allows for future growth in the city.

The city was devastated after two major earthquakes since September 2010 and has subsequently been re-building ever since.

Christchurch Central Recovery Plan’s transport chapter An Accessible City has been and explains the transport system which will support the new compact CBD core.

One of the key points in the plan is the Bus Interchange which will create a hub in the city to allow greater access to public transport.

“The public transport system has been designed to be affordable, flexible, adaptable and scalable to accommodate significant growth in public transport usage,” as stated in the plan.

“The central city transport system has allowed for possible mass transit requirements and options for future proofing corridors.”

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) worked in partnership with Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Ngai Tahu and the New Zealand Transport Agency, to develop the transport plan.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the authority will work closely with the city council in the coming months to develop design guidelines, public realm network plans and a parking plan to ensure the safest and most enjoyable travel in and out of the central city.

“Overall we are trying to make the central city as attractive as possible for people to come in and shop, socialise and live, and I’m confident executing this plan will help meet that goal,” he says.

Two high-quality super stop will also be provided in the city, according to the plan.

“These super stops will provide passenger waiting facilities sheltered from the weather, quality information, and dedicated cycle parking facilities nearby.”

The draft plan went out for consultation last year and received 278 submissions.

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