Metro reconnects eastern communities with Eastgate

Environment Canterbury is joining with Eastgate Shopping Centre to celebrate the restoration of Metro services linking the eastern suburbs with their local shopping centre.

From this week a number of eastern services return to their pre-February 22 routes and schedules.

• The 5 New Brighton/Southshore now provides services every 15 minutes to Eastgate and the new Central Station, 46-50 Lichfield St.
• The 21 Mt Pleasant, 23 Woolston and 40 Wainoni services all connect with Eastgate.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner Rex Williams says restoring mobility and accessibility for people living in the eastern suburbs has been a priority.

“For many people having a regular and reliable public transport service is essential, not just for getting to work or school, but also for accessing shops, health and social services.
After months of disruption, we’re pleased to see Metro services being restored.”

Environment Canterbury has also developed a new Metro service to link communities without local supermarkets in Lyttelton, Heathcote and Ferrymead, to Eastgate. The 535 Eastgate Link is a trial. If successful, more Eastgate Link services could be trialled.

To promote the restored services, Environment Canterbury and Eastgate are offering Metro passengers the chance to win Eastgate Shopping Centre vouchers worth $100 each day for ten days, November 1 to November 10.

Rex Williams says the restoration and promotion of Metro services wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and support of the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

“As the rebuild progresses people’s travel patterns may continue to change,” he says. “Environment Canterbury is committed to ensuring the Metro public transport system is an effective, convenient and affordable travel option for residents of Christchurch. The next few years will be challenging for everyone living and working in the region. This week we took the first steps towards making life a bit better - and travel a lot easier.”

For timetables for all of these services please visit www.metroinfo.co.nz or call metroinfo on 366 88 55 Monday to Saturday 7am – 9pm and Sunday 9am – 7pm or use facebook metroinfo.