Thousands more people have switched to public transport as fuel prices climb, but the Canterbury regional council is uncertain how it will access and afford fuel in the event of a shortage.<\/p>\n
Environment Canterbury chairperson Deon Swiggs said there is no threat to services for now but the council needs to be prepared for the coming \u201csqueeze\u201d on their budgets.<\/p>\n
\u201cFuel supply is one thing, but the cost of fuel is another thing … 70% of our fleet, of the kilometres travelled, is through diesel vehicles,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Rising fuel prices have pushed *thousands more people* onto public transport in Greater Christchurch.<\/p>\n
**Demand increased by**<\/p>\n
* 10,000 more bus trips in the past week
\n* 2.9% rise from the previous week
\n* 5.5% increase compared with the same week in 2025<\/p>\n
**B\ufeffudget and Fuel Supply Pressures**<\/p>\n
* 70% of bus kilometres are run by diesel vehicles, making the system highly exposed to fuel costs.
\n* Environment Canterbury (ECan) is uncertain how long it can operate within budget as fuel prices climb.
\n* ECan is seeking clarity from the Government on fuel access during potential shortages.<\/p>\n
**Potential Services Adjustment**<\/p>\n
If a fuel shortage occurs, ECan may:<\/p>\n
* Reduce off\u2011peak services
\n* Lower service frequency
\n* Prioritise core routes<\/p>\n
**Government Position**<\/p>\n
* Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the network has good capacity, but officials advise against broad increases in subsidies.
\n* Finance Minister Nicola Willis is open to temporary, targeted funding increases.<\/p>\n
**B\ufeffus Operator’s Impact**<\/p>\n
* Bus operators are expected to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs.<\/p>\n
Published in\u00a0[The Press on 28 March 2026](https:\/\/www.thepress.co.nz\/nz-news\/360974829\/budget-squeeze-likely-public-transport-demand-surges-christchurch) \\
\n \\
\nFor further reading concerning the points raised in this opinion –<\/p>\n
* [Future of passenger rail in New Zealand is regional rail](https:\/\/publictransportforum.nz\/articles\/article\/the-future-of-passenger-rail-in-new-zealand-is-regional-rail-07-07-2025\/)
\n* [Time for a national public transport network](https:\/\/www.publictransportforum.nz\/articles\/article\/national-public-transport-network-07-06-2022)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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