All Systems Go with Hospital Park & Ride Shuttle

MEDIA RELEASE

October 29, 2014

All Systems Go with Christchurch Hospital Park & Ride Shuttle Service

Canterbury District Health Board’s Park & Ride shuttle service got fully into gear at Christchurch Hospital yesterday (Tuesday, October 28, 2014).

The Park & Ride shuttle buses have proved very popular, with more than 450 people using them between 7am and 6pm on the first day.

Mary Gordon, Canterbury DHB acting chief executive, says the majority of feedback from patients and visitors has been positive, with many commenting that it’s easier than driving around looking and waiting for a car park.

“We are identifying times during the day when the shuttles are very busy and we’re making plans to address that,” Mary says.

The start of site works for the hospital’s new Acute Services Building (ASB) has made it necessary to close public parking on the hospital site. The entrance to the Riverside building at the rear of the hospital has been closed, and traffic flows at the front of the site have been altered to a two-way system.

Public parking on site is restricted to mobility permit holders only.

Mary says that in response to the loss of public parking within the hospital grounds Canterbury DHB set up a Park & Ride scheme running from the City Council’s car park on the Metro Sports Facility/old brewery site on Antigua Street.

At the Metro car park, pay and display parking is provided by the CCC, for $2 per hour or $5 for a full day.

“If you are heading to hospital, please note that the pay and display meters are coin or credit card only (no banknotes or EFTPOS) with a 50c surcharge for credit card use,” Mary says.

“Once parking is paid for, patients and hospital visitors can catch the free shuttle bus to the front door of the hospital. Alternatively, the hospital is a five minute (around 900 metres) walk away for the able-bodied.”

A Drop Off Zone has also been created outside the main entrance to Christchurch Hospital.

“There are extra volunteers, orderlies and security staff to help you when you arrive at the main entrance.”

Jan Danrell, Canterbury DHB volunteer coordinator, says her team of volunteers did a wonderful job yesterday with meeting, greeting and directing people.

“People were very grateful to see a friendly face when they walked in, and appreciated the assistance we could provide,” Jan says.

ENDS

Park and Ride shuttle service – What you need to know:

• Pay for your parking at the public car park on the corner of St Asaph & Antigua Streets. The site of the Metro Sports Facility (the old brewery site)

• Parking costs $2 hour or $5 for the day – cash or credit card (cards cost 50c extra)

• The shuttle is free & operates 7 days a week

• The shuttle runs between 7:00am and 8:30pm daily

• Shuttles leave every 10-15 minutes and drop off & pick up at Hagley Outpatients and the main entrance to Christchurch Hospital

• Parents are responsible for bringing their children’s car seats

• The shuttle can accommodate prams

• The shuttle is not suitable for wheelchairs. Note: there are now more mobility parks on site. The St John shuttle from Burwood & The Princess Margaret Hospital to Christchurch Hospital can accommodate wheelchairs.

• Look out for the shipping container shuttle stop in the car park. There are seats inside for those waiting for the next shuttle.

• There are two shuttle vans in operation, so the wait shouldn’t be too long.

• Please allow extra time to get to your appointment.

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