Trial change to Timaru's Metro bus routes

Environment Canterbury's Timaru Metro bus services are going to make a small change to their routes from next week, Monday September 17, in an effort to cut out lost time on lower Stafford St. The trial is anticipated to run until November 9.

The segment of Stafford St which will be removed from the Metro routes is between Strathallan and George Sts. At present there are no bus-stops on this stretch but a lot of congestion at peak periods which can add an additional five minutes to the route times and frustrate passengers and drivers.There are two sets of traffic lights on the stretch as well.

Tony Henderson, ECan transport officer Southern Region, says signs will be attached to the two bus stops affected by the change, showing people where to go to catch their bus for the period of the trial.

The joint Timaru District Council/ECan public transport committee which looks after Metro in Timaru is due to meet in early November. Hence, to get the trial going as soon as possible will enable the committee to see if it is working or needs further adjusting, he said.

"Currently, despite good feedback from the Metrocard - with more than half of all passengers using it since it was introduced early this year - it is a challenge to meet timetables. Patronage is slightly up but to attract more people out of their cars, we need them to have as direct a trip to work and back as possible," said Tony. "This is one possible improvement which we think is worth testing."

The two bus-stops which will be affected are on George St - people will either cross the road or catch a bus at Station St; and Perth St - people will have a short walk to the Gleniti route around the corner or to catch the Grantlea and Marchwiel buses near the library.

For further information: Tony Henderson, ECan Transport Officer Southern Region, 03 684 05 43 or Metroinfo in Timaru on 03 688 5544 or www.metroinfo.org.nz