Bus interchange plan for Riccarton

nation in Christchurch today,’’ he said.

ECan operations director Wayne Holton-Jeffreys said bus patronage across the city was increasing.

This was particularly noticeable in Riccarton, which was now the second busiest hub in Christchurch behind Central Station.

‘‘The interchange is needed to cater for these growing numbers and encourage further growth. The current passenger facilities are not adequate – there is a lack of shelter, seating, space and safe pedestrian crossings,’’ he said.

Holton-Jeffreys said in 2012/13 buses carried 13.3 million passengers, which was 18.7 per cent higher than the previous year, but still below pre-quake levels.

The bus interchange would be paid for through a council/ Crown funding agreement, but final costs were not known yet.

The proposal for the interchange comes before a corridor study being carried out along the Riccarton Rd route that will consider how to improve public transport in the area.

Any work done now would be complementary to future planning, and the community will have further opportunity to comment before any other improvements are considered.

Further details about how the public can submit views on the proposal will be available at on the council’s website later this week.

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Ins and outs: An artist’s impression of the bus interchange interior in Riccarton suggested by Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury.

Hub of activity: An artist’s street view of the proposed bus interchange.