The new west-bound lane on Riccarton Rd was installed as part of the upgrade between Harakeke and Matipo Sts.
Bus priority measures are now in place from the Hagley Park end of Riccarton Rd through to Westfield Riccarton, said Christchurch City Council transport operations manager Steffan Thomas.
"Riccarton Rd is one of the busiest bus thoroughfares in Christchurch.
"In the past buses have had to jostle with other traffic, which has resulted in delays and unreliable travel times for public transport users.
"With bus priority measures now in place from Deans Ave through to Matipo St, buses won’t get stuck in traffic, which should mean they run to schedule.
Thomas says it is important other vehicles keep clear of the bus lanes along Riccarton Rd during the hours they are in operation.
The new west-bound bus lane will operate around-the-clock between Picton Ave and Clarence St and between Division St and Matipo St. Between Mandeville St and Picton Ave, it will operate in the morning (7am to 9am) and afternoon (3pm to 6pm) peaks only.
"Motorists who misuse the bus lanes will be sent a warning letter for the first two weeks but after that they will ticketed," Thomas says.
"If they are caught driving in a bus lane they will be liable for a $150 fine, while those who park in the lanes can receive a $60 fine, along with a bill for towing costs."
