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Metro patronage shows improvement

Environment Canterbury

Monday 19 December 2011, 4:23PM

By Environment Canterbury

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CANTERBURY

Metro bus patronage is on the rise following improvements to services which occurred in late October 2011.

The opening of Central Station, new services now catering for relocated businesses, and the resumption of some key cross-town routes, has helped lift patronage and revenue, both of which were hit hard following the February earthquake.

Fares revenue for November is now at 35% of the total cost of running the system, its highest since the February disruption. The NZ Transport Agency goal is for fares to recoup 50% of the total public transport running cost.

After the February earthquake, Environment Canterbury staff reviewed patronage forecasts for the year, based on restrictions to the Metro network. Based on these revised forecasts, patronage is so far proving more resilient than anticipated.

Patronage in the year to date (from July 1) is 191,239 trips ahead of post-quake forecast or $286,235 ahead of forecast in revenue terms.

The contribution of fares to the overall running cost of the Metro system is tracking upwards – July 25%, August 29%, September 31%, October 28% and November 35%. Most of the recent improvements and the opening of Central Station occurred at the end of October.

“These are encouraging signs for Metro in greater Christchurch,” said Environment Canterbury Commissioner Rex Williams. “We know there will be more changes to ensure the public transport system maintains its pace with the city’s rebuild. Just last week we began a new Link minibus service linking Eastgate with the Palms via Avonside and Dallington and Avondale and Aranui. The Comet in the north-west connects Sheffield Crescent, the airport and Hornby. More services may develop over time to meet people’s needs while work continues on infrastructure.

“I would urge everyone in Christchurch over the Christmas and New Year period to take a bus and see what Metro has to offer. The recently re-opened Re:Start City Mall and events such as the Buskers Festival are all good reasons to catch a bus into town over the holidays.”