Environment Canterbury says more than 1.7 million people have caught a bus from Christchurch’s Bus Interchange since it opened a year ago on May 25.
The $53 million facilities opened in stages last year. The first phase began on May 25 with half of the 16 bus bays operational while construction continued in the second stage area. The remaining bus bays began operating in early October.
Environment Canterbury Commissioner Rex Williams says public transport was part of creating a vibrant, people-friendly city.
“I’d like to thank everyone who catches the bus,” says Williams.
“You’re supporting the regeneration of Christchurch and your bus trips free up the roads.”
Willians says more and more people were catching buses.
“We’re starting to see signs of the drop in patronage easing with a growth of 5.8% in April 2016 compared to April 2015,” he says.
“Overall, from January to April this year, patronage is down 0.7% compared to the same time last year. The drop is flattening off, and we see consistent increases,” says Williams.
