Our Transport Plan for Christchurch
Following the Canterbury earthquakes, the people of Christchurch were asked how they would like to see the city rebuilt. There was an overwhelming call for a green, people-focused city, with public spaces free from cars and more ways to get around, including better public transport and safer cycleways.
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the city the people of Christchurch called for, and make healthier, vibrant communities a reality while tackling the climate crisis and rebuilding the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. By making smart decisions now, we can deliver truly fast, frequent, low-carbon transport alternatives that help put Christchurch on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Here’s what we’re proposing for Christchurch:
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We’ll invest in frequent commuter rail service connecting Rangiora and the City and Rolleston
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We’ll create a new bus rapid transit line that connects the rail line to the CBD, University, and Airport
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We’ll ensure large scale investment in rapid, intercity passenger rail from Christchurch north to Rangiora and south to Ashburton, and eventually Timaru and Dunedin
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We’ll provide safe, separated school and commuter cycling routes with the capacity to be used by thousands of people each day, with a $1.5 billion Cycle Superhighway fund. In Christchurch, this could be used to complete the city’s major cycleway network plan, such as the yet-to-be funded projects like the city to New Brighton route and Cashmere to St Martins and Woolston route, which connects to three major cycle routes
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We’ll set up a nationwide Go Anywhere transport pass that works on all public transport, car share systems, bike share systems and e-scooter share systems throughout the city
- We’ll reduce the cost of public transport by making it free for people over 65, under 18 and community services holders, by reducing the cost by 50% for students, and by setting up weekly payment limits - so no one pays for more than eight rides a week.