On Thursday 24th September three Year 13 Geography students, Aki Gillespie, Emily Brown and Catalina Heale had the opportunity to share their research findings to a full council meeting of Environment Canterbury.

It was a great opportunity to share their research which focused on the viability of a rail system for Christchurch. The girls found that there had been a formal report prepared post-earthquakes but that the plan proposed was deemed too expensive as it included multiple train lines. 

After conducting interviews with local councilors, transport planners and gathering over 250 surveys from across the city their research highlighted the relatively small number of people who currently use public transport as well as the overall strong level of support for rail in Christchurch as a way to improve the mobility and sustainability of an expanding city. Their research recommended a progressive, staged approach on a trial basis beginning with the current existing rail lines and they encouraged politicians and planners at all levels to take a long term approach and work together to make this vision a reality.