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From reporter Steven Walton:
A $78 million government grant to improve Christchurch's “unreliable” bus service will only cover about one-third the project's total cost.
Local councils and Waka Kotahi will cover the remaining $160m to ensure buses arrive every 7.5 minutes on key… View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
A $78 million government grant to improve Christchurch's “unreliable” bus service will only cover about one-third the project's total cost.
Local councils and Waka Kotahi will cover the remaining $160m to ensure buses arrive every 7.5 minutes on key routes.
The Government money is coming out of the budget of the ditched $785m cycling and walking bridge planned for the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
A major revamp of the Christchurch bus network was first revealed in late 2020, but the time frame for the work was going to be about 12 years. The Government contribution, announced on Friday, would allow the revamp to happen within five to six years.
“This will offer people living in Christchurch regular and much more reliable bus services,” Transport Minister Michael Wood said.
Amongst the planned improvements are 100 extra buses, 22km of new bus lanes, and more than 470 new bus shelters. Some of the work has already begun, like adding bus lanes to Lincoln Rd.
The 100 new buses are being introduced despite recent struggles nationwide with a driver shortage. The shortage has caused thousands of bus trips being cancelled in Christchurch in recent months, frustrating commuters.
Wood said there had been “good progress” with the driver shortage in Christchurch. The shortage was now only 49 drivers, he said.
The 2020 business case for the city’s bus revamp said buses were unreliable and not as quick as taking a car.
It also estimated the revamp’s infrastructure (capital) work would cost about $115m, but Wood confirmed that number had now risen.
He said the revamp’s total cost would be $238m, but this figure also included the operational costs of running new buses and paying the new drivers. He was not able to say how much of the $238m cost was capital costs and how much was operational costs.
Of the $238m, the Government is covering $78m of it directly and the remaining $160m will be split between local councils and Waka Kotahi. Waka Kotahi and councils in Christchurch have already planned to spend millions on the revamp, but it is not clear how much each party will end up spending. Wood’s office has been asked to provide this detail.
Mayor Phil Mauger said it was great to be at the Government’s funding announcement on Friday, even though he voted against the revamp’s business case in 2020.
Asked if he would still vote against it, he said “probably not” because he had “learnt a lot more about how buses will make a difference [with reducing emissions]”.
Buses were a “good thing” that would help the climate change situation, he said.
Mauger said he also supported the 22km of new bus lanes, “as long as they’re in the right place”. Narrow roads should not be made narrower, he said.
“It’s all very well to have bus lanes everywhere, but if no-one else can get along [the road] everyone's going to get all snarly and upset.”
As part of the revamp, Christchurch’s main bus routes will have dedicated bus lanes with traffic lights that give buses priority.
The city’s main bus routes are Rangiora to Cashmere (#1), Airport to Sumner (#3), Rolleston to New Brighton (#5) and Halswell to Queenspark (#7). All of these services go into the central city and stop at the bus interchange.
The fifth main route is The Orbiter, which does a circular route.
The revamp aims to convert the main routes to “turn-up-and-go” services, where a bus would arrive every 7.5 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.
Presently, these routes only have a 10 or 15-minute frequency.
The business case for the revamp said 14 million trips were taken on Christchurch buses in 2018, and it hoped to increase this to 20 million by 2028.
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
Pi Day is on March 14, and any day that combines fun, education, and pie is a day worth celebrating! Pi, also known by the Greek letter “π,” is a constant value used in math that represents the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is just about 3.14….15…9265359… … View morePi Day is on March 14, and any day that combines fun, education, and pie is a day worth celebrating! Pi, also known by the Greek letter “π,” is a constant value used in math that represents the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is just about 3.14….15…9265359… (and so on). Not only that, but the fourteenth of March is also Albert Einstein’s birthday, so all together it’s nothing short of a mathematician’s delight.
Riccarton Knights Rugby League -
Our Presidents and Masters Teams are looking for some impact players off the bench, or players to warm the bench! Masters meet every 3 weeks on a Sunday for a friendly game for ages 35yrs and over. This section loves the social aspect of getting together and … View moreRiccarton Knights Rugby League -
Our Presidents and Masters Teams are looking for some impact players off the bench, or players to warm the bench! Masters meet every 3 weeks on a Sunday for a friendly game for ages 35yrs and over. This section loves the social aspect of getting together and participating to the level you are comfortable with.
Our Presidents section plays every Saturday during the regular season, Preseason is a game of touch and a BBQ on Sundays do at Crosbie Park until the season starts. Meet at 11am. The games are non competitive and each player will play to the level they are comfortable.
For further information contact Annette 027 812 7075
juniorknightsrlc@gmail.com
Riccarton Knights Juniors
Why is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all… View moreWhy is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all we want to is sit at home and watch the telly? Wake up NZ
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
If you want to have a say in the development of Christchurch then this is your chance. There are several ways to do this :
1. Go to the website www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz... and take part in the online survey huihuimai.nz...
2. Take part in one of the workshops. You can still register … View moreIf you want to have a say in the development of Christchurch then this is your chance. There are several ways to do this :
1. Go to the website www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz... and take part in the online survey huihuimai.nz...
2. Take part in one of the workshops. You can still register for the Rangiora session www.eventbrite.com...
MONTHLY AEA WEB EVENTS
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month… View moreMONTHLY AEA WEB EVENTS
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month which is this Sunday 19 March at 9.00am.
ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME
Hello everybody i am after anyone's unwanted running or not petrol lawn mowers that may be gathering dust in the garage or shed. Save yourself the hassle of taking to the dump I can pick up anywhere.would be much appreciated if you can help. Please send me a message :) 0221049734. Cheers … View moreHello everybody i am after anyone's unwanted running or not petrol lawn mowers that may be gathering dust in the garage or shed. Save yourself the hassle of taking to the dump I can pick up anywhere.would be much appreciated if you can help. Please send me a message :) 0221049734. Cheers shaun.
We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as … View moreWe're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as International Women's Day (this Wednesday) by sharing some of the lesser-known, inspiring women who've played a part in New Zealand's history.
Share your thoughts below for the We Say You Say column of the local paper - write NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded.
Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.
Be in to Win 3 Easter Hampers
Enter our Easter colouring-competition for your chance to win a Easter Hamper full of goodies. Three to be won.
How to enter:
🍫 Follow the link to download the entry form:
bit.ly...
🍫 Drop your entry into the Bayleys office at 251 High Street, Rangiora
… View moreBe in to Win 3 Easter Hampers
Enter our Easter colouring-competition for your chance to win a Easter Hamper full of goodies. Three to be won.
How to enter:
🍫 Follow the link to download the entry form:
bit.ly...
🍫 Drop your entry into the Bayleys office at 251 High Street, Rangiora
🍫 Email your entry to vereana.wheatley@bayleys.co.nz
Winners will be announced on the Vereana Wheatley – Bayleys Canterbury Facebook page on Friday 31 March 2023.
Top 3 will be selected by our team from each age category.
All entries will receive a thank you letter in the post with an Easter treat.
Follow the link to download:
bit.ly...
T&C's apply.
If you are a landlord or thinking about getting your first rental property, join us on the 15th of March for our Landlord Information Evening.
We'll have specialist panelists providing valuable and important information on owning rental properties plus a Q & A session.
Seats are … View moreIf you are a landlord or thinking about getting your first rental property, join us on the 15th of March for our Landlord Information Evening.
We'll have specialist panelists providing valuable and important information on owning rental properties plus a Q & A session.
Seats are limited so be quick to reserve yours by clicking 'Read More' or call 0800 YELLOW
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