Consultation open

More people are choosing to take public transport to get around, with a 24% increase in the number of people using public transport in 2024 – up from 18% in 2023.

This trend is expected to grow. To manage this increase and to make taking the bus more pleasant and reliable, we’re upgrading 55 selected bus stops across our city.

How we choose which bus stops to improve

We’re upgrading bus stops that lack adequate weather protection or accessibility for both passengers and buses. These bus stops were identified by requests from the community, bus drivers, bus operators and Environment Canterbury, as well as our own investigations into the consistency and reliability of stops.

We’ve received recommendations and requests about bus stop improvements from people across the city. We mostly receive these through customer service requests. Council staff investigate each of these and prioritise them as part of the Traffic Operations Delivery Programme.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) is responsible for operating and planning the public transport system in Christchurch, including bus routes and schedules. ECan contracts private bus companies to run the bus services. ECan provides Christchurch City Council with feedback on bus infrastructure improvements on behalf of its operators and drivers.

We also connect with bus operators and drivers to better understand where upgrades are most needed.

Council staff determine which bus stops to upgrade and prioritise based on:

  • The average number of bus passengers at a bus stop per day
  • Which bus routes are served by bus stops
  • Reported damage to buses and infrastructure, as well as safety concerns.

Types of improvements

Many upgrades involve installing a new shelter with no other changes. Sometimes, we also extend the yellow no-stopping lines to help buses enter and exit more easily. Other upgrades may include shifting a bus stop or shelter, adding tactile pavers, signage, and resurfacing the footpath.

  • Full-size shelter

    New one metre wide shelters have toughened glass panels making it easier for passengers and other road users to see each other, which increases safety for everyone.

    Full size shelters include space for wheelchair access and can be equipped with lighting in areas that are identified as poorly lit.

  • Slim-line shelter

    In areas where we don't have enough space to install a full-size shelter, we install 0.5 metre wide shelters.

  • Yellow no stopping lines

    Extending yellow no stopping lines before and after a bus stop allow buses to enter and exit a stop without navigating obstacles such as parked vehicles.

  • Tactile pavers

    Tactile pavers are textured ground surface treatments that help visually impaired pedestrians navigate safely.

  • New seats

    These are Council's newest style of seat. They are made out of recycled plastic and have an arm rest.

Tell us what you think

Provide your feedback on a specific bus stop upgrade.