Frequently asked questions

How is bus priority monitored?
To gauge bus priority effectiveness, Environment Canterbury will continue to monitor the travel time of every bus via a global positioning system. Passenger numbers will also be monitored to see how many new bus users are attracted by more efficient travel.

Why not just build more roads?
The need to spend money on expensive roads can be reduced by careful planning and more efficient use of the existing road network. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including the installation of bus lanes and cycle ways, infrastructure improvement for passenger services (such as bus exchanges and bus stops), as well as strategic investment in roads.

What happens if I need to turn across a bus lane?
As a motorist, you are allowed to travel up to 50 metres in a bus lane if you need to turn into a side street or driveway.

What if I'm a cyclist?
Cyclists are allowed to use the bus lanes during operational hours. You'll be sharing the lane with motorcyclists, scooters, mopeds and buses, so normal road safety awareness and courtesy applies. Outside bus lane operational hours there will generally be room for cyclists to use this dedicated road space alongside parked cars.

What if I see someone parked in a bus lane?
If you see someone travelling or parked in a bus lane during operational hours you can contact the Christchurch City Council on (03) 941 8741.

Where will my car be towed to?
If your car is parked in a bus lane during operational hours, it will be towed to a side street nearby. The bus lanes need to be unobstructed to allow the buses to operate reliably. Please contact the Christchurch City Council or NZ Police to locate your vehicle.

What fines will I have to pay?
If you are observed by enforcement officers travelling illegally in a bus lane during operational hours, you will receive a $150 infringement fine. If your vehicle is parked in a bus lane during operational hours, you will receive a $60 parking fine and potentially incur a tow fee.

When are the bus lanes operating?
Full-time bus lanes will operate 24 hours a day, and will be signposted as such. Other bus lanes will be part time: 7am – 9am on inbound routes and 3pm – 6pm on outbound routes (except outside schools, which will be 4pm – 6pm on outbound routes where indicated).

How can I identify a bus lane?
There will be signage at the start and end of each bus lane showing the hours of operation, as well as road markings and green paint showing the bus lane.

The length of green paint differs between bus priority lanes depending on the lane's proximity to an intersection or signalised pedestrian crossing, and the overall length of the lane itself.