How it works
Where do I travel?
A Pedestrians.
B Buses, bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and emergency services vehicles can use bus lanes during operational times. Motorists are allowed to travel in a bus lane if you need to turn into a side street or driveway. Turning manoeuvres must be kept to a minimum distance (no more than 50 metres). (For more information on the rules around turning manoeuvre distances please visit Road User Amendment Rule 2009 on the NZ Transport Agency website)
C Cars, trucks and vans.
Operational times
Bus lanes can be either full-time or part-time.
Full-time bus lanes operate 24 hours per day.
Part-time bus lanes will operate:
- 7am – 9am on inbound routes to the city
- 3pm – 6pm on outbound routes from the city
(except outside schools where bus lanes operate) - 4pm – 6pm on outbound routes where indicated
Outside operational hours, the bus lanes revert to on-street parking spaces with cycle lanes alongside in some locations.
What to look for
Look for these signs which show the days and times that the bus lane is operational. Signage will look like this.
Associated markings will be on the road, which look like this.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
A Bus signal at traffic lights will look like this.
Bus stop signs continue to look the same as shown here.
How bus lanes are enforced
The bus lanes are enforced by the Christchurch City Council's enforcement officers, or by the New Zealand Police. Motorists caught travelling in a bus lane during operational hours will be issued an infringement notice and a fine of $150.
Vehicles found parked in a bus lane during operational hours by the Council's enforcement officers will be issued with a parking fine of $60 and will be towed (potentially incurring a tow fee). Please contact the Christchurch City Council or New Zealand Police to locate your vehicle.