The Star: November 26, 2020

2
[Edition datE]
NEWS 23
METRO
Thursday November 26 2020 The Star
Look out for
Metro changes
Next week, Metro passengers will see
some timetable changes and different buses
on some routes.
New public transport contracts coming
into effect on Sunday 29 November bring
with them a host of benefits. Passengers in
the western and eastern suburbs will enjoy
increased frequency on Route 3 (previously
the Purple Line), while new electric and low
emission vehicles are gradually coming into
service across the network in the coming
months.
Buses may look different
The change in contracts sees many
services change to a different operator. The
consequence for passengers is that different
buses will be used on many routes from
Sunday 29 November.
If you are used to seeing a Red Bus
branded vehicle on your route, it may now
be a Go Bus branded vehicle instead, and
vice versa. Your bus might also be in the new
teal livery as it continues to roll out across
the network.
Checking the destination screen on the
bus is the best way to confirm it’s your
service.
Timetables changes from Sunday
Environment Canterbury senior manager
public transport Stewart Gibbon says this
is the second of three stages of timetable
changes.
“We’ve phased the changes to reduce the
impact on our customers,” says Gibbon.
“The majority of changes being made this
month are necessary to implement the new
operator contracts and to ensure compliance
with changes to the Employment Relations
Act.”
Gibbon advises passengers to check now if
their timetable or operator is changing on 29
November, and plan ahead.
“Our Journey Planner tool allows you to
forward plan – you can plan your trip for 29
November onwards to see if the timetable
changes impact your usual journey,” he says.
A full list of all changes, including the
operator for each service and the timetable
from 29 November onwards, is available at
metro.co.nz
TRAINING: Pamela Pruden gets updated on her phone by her
granddaughter, Chloe McCaughan, sister of GranSkills co-founder Phoebe
McCaughan. ​
Students’ plan to
help elderly be
more tech-savvy
• By Chris Barclay
THREE CANTERBURY University
students have gone old school in a bid to
help less tech-savvy senior members of the
community master modern and daunting
technology.
Realising online help desks or call
centres are not necessarily tailored
for their grandparents, the trio have
established a tutoring business with
face-to-face contact in the security of the
client’s home.
The GranSkills venture was inspired
by the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship’s
Virtually Together competition, which
asked students to help an isolated community
with an issue the Covid-19 lockdown
created.
Phoebe McCaughan, Amelia McLuskie
and Emily O’Sullivan won the bulk of the
$2500 prize pool and opted to combine
their studies with assisting the older
generation.
“During the Covid-19 lockdown we
experienced difficulties contacting our
grandparents and noticed this wasn’t an
isolated issue,” McLuskie said.
“It became a question of how do you
stay socially connected at a time where
everyone is completely isolated? That’s
where we found the barrier between older
New Zealanders and technology,” added
O’Sulllivan.
“Our mission is to empower seniors to
be more confident and capable when it
comes to using everyday technology.”
McCaughan said while workshops were
available “there’s no opportunity just for
someone to go to their home and teach
older New Zealanders.
“They may have mobility issues, anxieties
or no confidence in seeking education
on tech issues,” she said.
While clients will be taught about navigating
the social media platforms their
grandchildren use like Facebook Messenger,
Instagram and WhatsApp, they
will also be educated on online shopping,
Uber and cyber security.
“During our research so many also
indicated the reason why they don’t want
to use technology is because of scammers
and the cyber security issues out there,”
McCaughan said.
“We’re also passionate about educating
older New Zealanders about staying safe
online. We’ve heard some horrific stories.
That’s another big focus.”
Age Concern Canterbury chief
executive, Simon Templeton, welcomed
the women’s efforts.
“It looks like a good service. The digital
divide is wide and getting wider for many
older people,” he said.
The trio are the original tutors – a single
50min session costs $49 – but they hope to
employ more UC students if the concept
gathers momentum.
•More details are available at
www.granskills.com or phone
0800 288 772
Metro
network
changes
From Sunday 29 November,
look out for:
– New timetables for some routes
– A different operator or bus colour
on some routes
Visit metro.co.nz
for more information.