Ride the buses for free on Saturday and Sunday

Christchurch’s Metro buses will be free to ride this weekend.

To mark World Car-Free Day Environment Canterbury is offering free public transport across its entire network on Saturday and Sunday.

"Providing free public transport for World Car-Free Day is an excellent opportunity for people to leave their car at home for the day and use the bus to come in and explore what's new in Christchurch’s central city,” says Environment Canterbury senior manager public transport Stewart Gibson.

"We know that emissions from transport are a big contributor to our carbon footprint, and that we can lower emissions quickly and significantly if more people choose to take public transport more often.

“Replacing a car journey with public transport is a simple way that people can contribute to reducing their emissions footprint. We encourage as many people as possible to give it a go by taking advantage of a free trip this weekend,’’ Mr Gibson says.

World Car-Free Day falls on a Sunday this year, therefore buses will be free on both 21 and 22 September, to encourage and enable as many people as possible to leave their car at home and give public transport a go.

Many central city food outlets have also hopped on board, providing special discounts available over this weekend only.

Head to metroinfo.co.nz to view timetables and route maps, as well as for further details on the central city food offers.