Numbers restricted on buses under Alert Level 2

Bus passenger numbers will be limited to a quarter of the normal capacity under Alert Level 2, with people unable to stand and seating space restricted.

Environment Canterbury senior public transport manager Stewart Gibbon says that the bus network’s capacity will be limited because of social distancing requirements on all urban and school services.

“During Alert Level 2, the Ministry of Health requires the capacity on most buses to be limited to 40 per cent of normal seated capacity – or around 25 per cent of normal total capacity, with standing passengers not permitted,” Mr Gibbon says.

“Where people have a choice, we ask that you avoid travelling at our peak times of 7am to 9am and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, weekdays,” he says.

Mr Gibbon says that the bus network has returned to regular timetables and, from Thursday, passengers will again use front-door boarding.

He says that all available buses are in use but several drivers fall within the “at-risk” category and this may have an impact on services.

Any cancellation notices will be on the Metro website.

The school bus network will resume from Monday. However, parents may want to consider different travel options because of the capacity constraints.

“We are asking that parents remain with students at bus stops in case the bus is at capacity, and we recommend that they consider alternative ways for their children to get to school,” Mr Gibbon says.

Bus fares will again soon be required under Alert Level 2.