RICCARTON SUPER STOP SUBMISSION

Now then, we all know that the Riccarton area is the busiest bus corridor in Christchurch right now, so what are the Council going to do about it? The plan, according to their 'Have Your Say' website (click the link to find out more details on the project), is this: they're going to put a new passenger lounge on the corner of Division Street. Sounds quite swish from the plans, and with submissions being invited, we decided to get involved. 


After canvassing for opinion from young people, our Deputy Chair James put together this submission from Christchurch Youth Council, which we entered today: 

In general, the Christchurch Youth Council supports the proposed Riccarton Super Stop and Passenger Waiting Lounge.  

As a result of many informal conversations with young people around Christchurch, the overwhelming message is that there is a desperate need for improved bus facilities in the Riccarton Road area. Many young people board or disembark various buses at Riccarton, and the current situation is commonly described as inadequate, with specific concerns being that the space provided for those waiting for a bus is “very cramped” and that it is “hard to cross the road.” 

Thus everyone we spoke to was keen for something better, and the proposed solution was positively received. Having a warm, pleasant and safe place to wait in the Passenger Waiting Lounge will benefit those waiting a significant amount of time for a bus, especially in bad weather. It will also reduce congestion on the footpaths, and next to the bus stop. In addition, the proximity of the Passenger Waiting Lounge to a controlled pedestrian crossing will make it much easier, and safer, to cross the road.  

There were a few concerns, however. The question was raised about how often the crossing allowed pedestrians to cross the road, as some people commented that they had had to wait there for a long time. If people are going to catch a bus, they will tend to be in a rush, and so the time period for this crossing might like to be checked, as would provision for those with a sight impediment. There was also a concern that people coming out of the Mall have a longer walk to get to the bus stop, but that concern were generally allayed by the fact that there is another exit. 

In summary, the Christchurch Youth Council believes that the proposed Super Stop and Passenger Waiting Lounge is a major improvement on the current situation, and we believe that it will be of great benefit to many young people in Christchurch.