Public submissions on the Council's latest transport improvement package closed last week, attracting more than two thousand individual responses according to figures released by the consultation team.

The package includes proposed bus priority lanes on sections of Colombo Street, intersection upgrades in Hornby and Halswell, and additional pedestrian crossings near several primary schools. Most submissions supported safety-focused changes, while bus lane proposals drew more divided views.

Greater Christchurch Partnership data shows public transport patronage has continued its post-pandemic recovery, but private vehicle use remains the dominant mode for the majority of weekday trips. Council planners say the package is intended to make alternatives more practical without removing road capacity entirely.

A summary of submissions and the Council's draft response is expected to be reported to the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee early next year. Final decisions will be made before the next annual plan is adopted.