Opinions of bus users to be sought

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 13

Opinions of bus users to be sought

Bus patrons in parts of Avonhead will receive a questionnaire from the Christchurch Transport Board to ascertain suitable routes for the area.

Proposed extensions to the Riccarton Road-Russley Road service have drawn two petitions from residents in J.he area, one supporting and the other condemning planned changes. The board’s operations committee has decided to send a circular to residents to gauge their feelings on new changes proposed.

If the board gets a big number of replies a public meeting will be called in the Avonhead area to discuss a suitable route, otherwise the board will decide.

The present service is via Yaldhurst Road, Cutts Road, Bentley Street, and Russley Road and returns to the city via Fovant Street and Bentley Street.

One proposal to be put to the residents is to reroute the service via Cutts Road. Woodbury Street. Penwood Street, and Pinehurst Crescent. Another alternative is via Yaldhurst Road, Withells Road, Woodbury Street, Cutts Road. Bentley Street, and then along the present route. Broadfield petition A petition containing 38 signatures from Broadfield residents seeking an improved service has been received by the board. The petition said the area had no convenient bus service for the growing population. The operations manager, Mr E. H. Saundercock, said that at peak hours some Wharenui buses terminating at Chalmers Street could be extended along Shands Road to service factories, then continue along Blakes Road into Norris Street, Charles Street, Springs Road, and

terminate in the centre of Prebbleton. “As Blakes Road is sparsei}’ populated I recommend that a survey of factories in Shands Road and residents in Shands Road. Blakes Road, and the Prebbleton area be done to ascertain the support such a service would receive." he said. The proposal will be investigated fully. Shelters The committee has recommended that the board increase the number of new bus shelters it builds a year from 12 to 20. Mr T. G. Smith said the board should try to provide as many shelters as possible for patrons. Mrs Helen Garrett said it was not so much shelters that were needed but seats. The board's policy is to install a seat wherever requested.