Terry Hao, owner of the Muffin Break inside the interchange, said police used to be there “pretty much every day”, but the situation had been improving in the past year. “It's a lot safer now.”
Hao said the police often came to see if there was any trouble with kids and teenagers congregating.
“They're just talking to each other, smoking outside. Sometimes they make some troubles, but it’s getting better now,” he said.
Security had improved at the exchange since the Christchurch City Council became the owner in September 2019, Hao said.
A council spokesman said “alternative solutions” were being offered to people who congregate at the interchange but do not use the buses.