Express Rolleston to the city routes trial to continue under Metro

Published 23/07/2026

The trial of the additional express options for Rolleston commuters travelling into the city is set to continue as it transitions to being solely provided by Metro. 

In collaboration with Bentley Coachlines, Routes 84 & 85 Rolleston/City Direct launched in September 2025, offering more services for the Rolleston community with improved frequency.  

From 10 August 2026, the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) will take over delivery of the trial service, providing a consistent Metro experience for customers.  

As a result of this, the following service elements will change: 

  • The timetable will undergo some minor timing changes  
  • Following customer feedback, later trips will be included in the new timetable, allowing for greater transport provision for shift workers 
  • The new timetable will be optimised to align better with the capacity required, resulting in a reduction of two trips  
  • Customers will now be able to pay Metro fares of $3 or less on all trips when they pay with Metrocard or contactless with Motu Move
  • Aligning with Metro allows customers to use Metro’s bike racks, pets on public transport availability and free transfers
  • Customers will board and disembark the service from within the interchange building, rather than outside it
  • Audio announcements will be available for trips arriving/departing the interchange, allowing for better accessibility  

All other aspects of the routes will remain the same, including the availability of hail and ride. 

We are grateful to Bentley for the service it provided to this community, and we wish them well as they continue to service other communities. We now look forward to offering more choice to the Rolleston community through increased Metro services. 

The trial is set to continue until June 2027. Council will consider the future of the service through its upcoming Long-Term Plan process. 

The routes’ timetable is subject to be altered again in future as required. Changes to route configuration will be considered, following feedback from customers.