655 days ago

No time frame to have Christchurch bus exchange back up and running

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By reporter Poppy Clark:

Christchurch’s intercity bus exchange is closed for a second day, and Environment Canterbury says it has “no time frame” for when it will be back up and running.

On Monday morning passengers were advised to get up earlier to catch their bus in time for the start of the working week.

Buses were using the Manchester St Super Stop as a temporary interchange location after technical difficulties caused the bus exchange in town to close.

With different routes having to be taken and times not being displayed, Watford said the Manchester St Super Stop was like waiting for a connecting flight at the airport, bus rider Kayleigh Watford said.

“If you miss your first one it means your second one is messed up."

Regular commuter Mina Morgan was confused and frustrated by the Manchester St Super Stop.

“Everybody is rushing, everybody is running, everybody is trying to get to work and on time without getting late.”


Morgan said he wanted more structure and organisation if the closure of the interchange was going to continue.


On its Facebook page, Metro Canterbury said the building had been “impacted by a technology outage”.

Environment Canterbury public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said some scheduled maintenance by their supplier had caused an unexpected outage which affected the interchange.

“The technology system that manages bay allocation and bay door operations at the interchange is not functioning, meaning we are currently unable to operate the interchange effectively and safely,” he said.


“Our normal contingency for interchange unavailability has been put in place, meaning the Manchester St super stops are the designated central city bus stop until this issue is resolved. Route 17 customers should use the route’s stops on Hereford St.”

When asked when the bus exchange would reopen, regional council Environment Canterbury refused to be interviewed and instead said the Metro Canterbury Facebook page would be updated as news came to hand.

It said there was no time frame for the bus exchange to be operating again as normal.

City councillor for Central Ward Jake McLellan said the closure was “frustrating and disappointing”.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
14 hours ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
1 hour ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

Image
Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.5% Yes
    64.5% Complete
  • 32.9% No
    32.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
1355 votes