Bus trial from Rolleston to Christchurch to increase capacity by 300%

Friday, 15 August 2025

Rolleston commuters to Christchurch wil have more buses to us when a new trial begins in September.

A six-month bus trial from Rolleston to Christchurch will increase capacity by 300% at zero cost to ratepayers.

Two new direct bus routes will be introduced for Selwyn travellers next month after Bentley Coachlines, in collaboration with Metro, gained approval from Environment Canterbury to launch a privately run user-pays commuter service.

The trial, beginning September 1, will increase the number of direct buses travelling between Rolleston and the city from eight to 32 daily - 16 in the morning, and 16 in the evening.

The new routes will be the 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East.

From 1 September, Metro and Bentley Coachlines services will begin a six-month trial operating direct buses along two new routes, 84 Rolleston Direct West and 85 Rolleston Direct East.

All trips will stop at current Metro Route 85 bus stops at a 10-minute frequency following the same route into the city.

At the Rolleston end at the intersection of Farringdon and Shillingford Blvd the buses will split, covering the east and west sides of the town on a 'hail and ride' basis every 20 minutes.

Bentley Coachlines will run 24 of the daily services with a standard fare of between $3.50 and $4 using cash or contactless card payments and cash. A standard fare on a Metro bus is $3 by Metrocard or $4 for a cash fare.

As Bentley Coachlines is a private operator there was no cost to ratepayers, but users should be aware the benefits of free transfers and concessions will not be available.

There are only three chances to catch a direct bus from Rolleston to Christchurch CBD in the morning. Reporter Keiller MacDuff found out how the strained bus services are coping with the volume of passengers.

Buses will have clear signs showing which services are Metro or Bentley Coachlines buses.

Commuters from the Greater Christchurch district have complained about frequency and space on buses during morning and evening commutes for years as the district’s population balloons.

Stewart Gibbon, ECan’s public transport general manager, said the trial is a win for the Rolleston community, creating easier access to and more bus options for the growing district.

“We know from ongoing customer feedback and submissions on our recent Annual Plan that there is strong demand for better services to and from Rolleston.

“We expect the introduction of early morning services will be especially helpful for morning shift workers travelling in from Rolleston. Metro will continue to run four services in each direction which will operate with new timings.”

Gibbon said patronage would be monitored and staff would seek feedback for find and issues.

“Like with any trial, it’s important that people use the service and have their say.”

The new combined timetable is on Metro’s website next week, along with more information about the services for customers.