No cash on buses from mid-2024
Christchurch public transport users will not be able to use cash on city buses and ferries from mid next year.
The move has prompted concerns about the impact on those who prefer to use cash, especially the elderly and homeless. The proposal also defies a survey that found three-quarters of public transport users believe cash is important.
However, ECan staff say cash handling is consistently raised by drivers, operators and unions as an issue for driver safety and wellbeing, and that it makes sense to take advantage of the roll-out of a new nationwide public transport card to rid the system of cash. The National Ticketing Solution will be introduced in Canterbury in mid-2024.
What do you think of our city's buses and ferries going cashless? Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full story here (subscription required) and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.2% Yes, it's fair
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9.9% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Time! Sharpen Your Mind and Take the Challenge!
Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.