Metro Christchurch customer insights meta-analysis

Listening to our communities: Shaping the future of public transport
Environment Canterbury recently partnered with ViaStrada to dive deep into what matters most to our communities when it comes to public transport. Using feedback from 11 consultation sources across Greater Christchurch, the project set out to turn thousands of comments into clear insights that can guide future improvements.

What we learned
People want a network that works for them, one that’s reliable, frequent, and meets the needs of growing communities. The strongest themes were: 

• More frequent services to make public transport a practical choice for everyday travel.
• Better reliability, with fewer delays and cancellations.
• Expanded coverage, including calls to reinstate discontinued routes and introduce new ones. Communities like Rolleston and Darfield were especially vocal, highlighting the importance of connecting fast-growing areas. Feedback also revealed concerns about overcrowding and performance issues, reinforcing the need for a system that keeps pace with demand.

Why it matters
By mapping feedback against neighbourhoods, we can see where improvements will make the biggest difference. This isn’t just about buses, it’s about creating a transport network that supports thriving, connected communities.

What’s next?
These insights will help shape future planning and investment, ensuring public transport is a reliable, sustainable choice for everyone in Greater Christchurch.