Have your say on Canterbury’s Public Transport
Environment Canterbury media release: 16th June 2026
From Chair of Canterbury Regional Council, Dr Deon Swiggs...
Canterbury is growing, and our transport network is feeling it. More people, more housing, and more travel between communities mean we need to think carefully about how buses and ferries support the region over the next decade.
Public transport matters whether you use it every day or not. It helps people get to work, school, appointments and essential services, and it can ease pressure on already busy roads.
That is why the Metro bus and ferry network review is now open for consultation. We want to hear from the community about what is working, what is not, and what should be prioritised.
Have your say on the future of Metro bus and ferry services before consultation closes on 24th June 2026.
Why this review matters
Public transport doesn’t run on goodwill alone. Behind every bus route and ferry service is a careful balancing act of funding, planning, and community needs.
Right now, we are asking our communities to help us get this balance right. I’d like to explain why this work matters, how it is funded, and why we are pressing ahead with it even as the local government landscape around us continues to change.
Public Transport funding in Canterbury Metro services are funded from a mix of:
- general rates
- targeted public transport rates
- central government grant funding via the National Land Transport Fund
- income from fares and other sources like advertising.
The funding we receive from central government is not guaranteed. It is applied for and allocated based on evidence and funding availability. That means the stronger our case, the better our chances of securing the investment our region needs.
This review is a critical part of building that case. The feedback we gather from our communities, combined with technical data on passenger trends and growth projections, will directly inform our application for central government funding to improve our Metro network.
In short, the more people who have their say, the stronger our position when we request additional co-funding through the National Land Transport programme.
Every decision we make about the network must be weighed carefully. Running more frequent services, extending routes to growing areas, improving reliability, and operating longer hours all draw on the same pool of funds. There is no bottomless bucket of money, which is why we need the community to help us prioritise.
Local government reform and the Public Transport Network Review
Some people will be wondering whether this work is premature, given the changes coming through the government’s Simplifying Local Government reform. It is a fair question, and I want to address it directly.
We know the reform will change how local government is structured across New Zealand. But public transport cannot wait. Our region is growing at a pace that is placing real pressure on our roads and our network right now.
Whatever shape local government takes over the next few years, the need for a well-planned, fit-for-purpose public transport network will remain. By doing this work now, we are not just responding to today’s pressures; we are building a foundation for a network that will service our communities well into the future, and that foundation will hold, regardless of who is responsible for delivering it.
The work we are doing now will not be wasted. The data we gather, the community priorities we identify, and the improvements we plan will all be valuable assets for whichever organisation ends up delivering this work.
We want to hear from everyone!
We want to hear from everyone, even if they don’t take the bus because a well-functioning public transport network benefits everyone by:
- Reducing congestion - helps to keep the city moving for those who still need to drive.
- Providing more travel choice - particularly where driving isn’t practical.
- Reducing emissions - contributing to climate and air-quality goals.
- Improving equity - particularly for young people, those without cars, and people facing mobility or cost barriers.
- Supporting access - to jobs, education, healthcare and essential services.
Have your say on the future of Metro bus and ferry services
This review is a genuine opportunity to shape the future of public transport in our region over the next decade and beyond.
We encourage everyone, whether you catch the bus every day or have never used it, to take the time to have your say.
Give feedback on the future of Metro bus and ferry services. Consultation closes on 24th June 2026.