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    <title>Metlink and Buses</title>
    <link>https://wellington.gen.nz/metlink-greater-wellingtons-public-transport-network+buses</link>
    <description>Items tagged with Metlink and Buses.</description>
    <item>
      <title>Meet Paulette - a ray of sunshine behind the wheel</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/meet-paulette-a-ray-of-sunshine-behind-the-wheel</link>
      <description>This Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Metlink is celebrating the drivers who pull out all the stops for its network.   &#xD;
If you’re in Kāpiti and spot a bus driver with a beaming smile behind the wheel, it’s probably Paulette.&#xD;
&#xD;
“I'm the type of person who's always waving at the other bus drivers,” Paulette says. She’s always looking out to see if she can improve someone’s day.&#xD;
&#xD;
“If I'm sitting at the traffic lights and one of my colleagues pulls up in their bus, then I'm doing a little dance to entertain them!”&#xD;
&#xD;
Paulette has been driving for UzaBus for 20 months, but it wasn’t a job she had ever considered before.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>kapiti</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/meet-paulette-a-ray-of-sunshine-behind-the-wheel</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2024-11-11T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>One million passengers aboard the Airport Express</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/one-million-passengers-aboard-the-airport-express</link>
      <description />
      <category>airport</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/one-million-passengers-aboard-the-airport-express</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2024-11-04T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.32691975 174.8077029634527</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Wellington International Airport, Coutts Street, Rongotai, Wellington, Wellington City, Wellington, 6023, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Greater Wellington stands with Islamic Circle against hate speech</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/greater-wellington-stands-with-islamic-circle-against-hate-speech</link>
      <description />
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/greater-wellington-stands-with-islamic-circle-against-hate-speech</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2024-10-10T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Greater Wellington backs Wellington City Council on bus priority</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/greater-wellington-backs-wellington-city-council-on-bus-priority</link>
      <description />
      <category>wcc</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>government</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/greater-wellington-backs-wellington-city-council-on-bus-priority</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2024-05-10T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metlink On Demand bus-hailing service to be extended after successful trial</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-on-demand-bus-hailing-service-to-be-extended-after-successful-trial/</link>
      <description>A public transport service for the ride-hailing era is expanding in reach. Metlink On Demand, the app-based, demand-driven bus service, will cover a larger area following a decision by Greater Wellington councillors on 22 June. &#xD;
&#xD;
Metlink On Demand finished a successful 12-month trial on 16 May, having completed over 40,000 trips for the community. The trial will now be extended for another year, and the service will be expanded from Tawa and Grenada North to include Porirua CBD. As the trial continues, Metlink will also assess the viability of extending the service to Aotea and Cannons Creek.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>tawa</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-on-demand-bus-hailing-service-to-be-extended-after-successful-trial/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-06-22T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.1681676 174.8247761</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Johnsonville: Proposed new bus stop on Moorefield Road</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/johnsonville-stop-d/</link>
      <description>GWRC is working with Stride and Wellington City Council (WCC) to develop a fully integrated bus and rail transport hub; this is likely to take some time to work through.  In the interim, a new bus stop in Johnsonville, southbound on Moorefield Road is proposed - Stop D.</description>
      <category>johnsonville</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/johnsonville-stop-d/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-06-10T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.2224895 174.8056354</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington, Wellington City, Wellington, 6037, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>On-Bus Announcements test run on 20 buses in Wellington</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/onbus/</link>
      <description>Primarily, the on-bus announcement system makes public transport easier and safer for riders with disabilities and impairments. It also benefits people who are unfamiliar with public transport, anyone catching a route they don’t normally use, and visitors to the region. &#xD;
&#xD;
The system will announce all stops during both off-peak and peak commuter times, because riders that benefit from this system travel during all times of the day.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/onbus/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-05-12T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metlink supporting passengers, bus drivers and train crew with onboard etiquette campaign </title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-supporting-passengers-bus-drivers-and-train-crew-with-onboard-etiquette-campaign/</link>
      <description>A Metlink campaign aiming to create more pleasant journeys for customers and frontline staff by reminding passengers of onboard etiquette is being rolled out across its network. &#xD;
&#xD;
Metlink General Manager Samantha Gain says its launch is well timed with Metlink’s two largest operators making significant progress on recruiting new drivers through individual recruitment campaigns and newly opened pathways for immigration.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>trains</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-supporting-passengers-bus-drivers-and-train-crew-with-onboard-etiquette-campaign/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-02-28T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tranzurban's ambitious bus driver recruitment targets on track</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/tranzurbans-ambitious-bus-driver-recruitment-targets-on-track/</link>
      <description />
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/tranzurbans-ambitious-bus-driver-recruitment-targets-on-track/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-02-16T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>More services, regular timetable and more drivers on the way for Metlink</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/more-services-regular-timetable-and-more-drivers-on-the-way-for-metlink/</link>
      <description>Metlink is adding more services to its temporary January timetable ahead of the reintroduction of its full timetable on 28 January.&#xD;
&#xD;
Tim Shackleton, acting General Manager for Metlink, says the introduction of supplementary buses from today will help provide more services as more people head back to work.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/more-services-regular-timetable-and-more-drivers-on-the-way-for-metlink/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-01-18T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wellington and Porirua buses to use Saturday timetables in January</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/powellington-and-porirua-buses-to-use-saturday-timetables-in-january/</link>
      <description>Most Metlink buses in Wellington city and Porirua will use their Saturday timetables on weekdays from 4 to 27 January. &#xD;
 &#xD;
Routes 13, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 12e, 30x and 31x will operate their normal weekday schedules during this period, while After Midnight services will also operate as normal on Saturday and Sunday mornings &#xD;
 &#xD;
Services on routes 81 and 84 between Eastbourne and Wellington are suspended until 29 January.  &#xD;
 &#xD;
Routes 39 and 32x will also cease operation until 29 January, however, a shuttle will connect Island Bay and Houghton Bay at 10-minute intervals during the morning and evening peaks on weekdays. &#xD;
 &#xD;
Metlink has reduced bus timetables in this way to give customers certainty. Because of the national bus driver shortage, and at a time when many of us, including drivers are taking leave, the reduced schedules will help operators meet demand and minimise unplanned cancellations.</description>
      <category>porirua</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/powellington-and-porirua-buses-to-use-saturday-timetables-in-january/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2023-01-02T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.1354918 174.8396887</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Porirua, Wellington Region, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air quality improves as EV bus numbers increase</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/air-quality-improves-as-ev-bus-numbers-increase/</link>
      <description>A new report from Greater Wellington’s Environmental Science team shows the positive impact Metlink’s EV buses are having on Wellington’s air quality along the Golden Mile, leading both to positive health benefits and climate change mitigation. &#xD;
&#xD;
The Metlink bus fleet emissions 2021/22 Environmental impacts annual report outlines air monitoring and bus emissions tracking tool results up to 30 June 2022 and reports on monthly emissions and annual air quality performance indicators.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>electric-vehicles</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/air-quality-improves-as-ev-bus-numbers-increase/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-10-19T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>67 trips on Wellington city bus routes to be temporarily suspended</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/67-trips-on-wellington-city-bus-routes-to-be-temporarily-suspended/</link>
      <description>From Monday 17 October, 67 trips on Metlink’s bus network will be temporarily suspended to improve the reliability of service for bus customers during the national driver shortage. &#xD;
&#xD;
Morning and afternoon peak trips will be suspended across 14 Wellington city bus routes with the Metlink website and app detailing the trips affected, allowing customers to plan ahead.  &#xD;
&#xD;
Metlink General Manager Samantha Gain said the national driver shortage is affecting customers and operators across Metlink’s entire network, but particularly in Wellington city.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/67-trips-on-wellington-city-bus-routes-to-be-temporarily-suspended/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-10-13T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Positives drawn from latest Metlink Satisfaction Survey despite cancellations</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/positives-drawn-from-latest-metlink-satisfaction-survey-despite-cancellations/</link>
      <description>The results of Metlink’s annual independent customer satisfaction survey, which surveyed 2745 customers about their experiences on public transport in the region, will be presented at this Thursday’s meeting of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee.&#xD;
&#xD;
The survey was conducted in June this year. A record high 96 percent of surveyed Metlink rail customers were satisfied with their journey, while  94 percent of surveyed customers across the whole Metlink bus, train and ferry network were satisfied with their trip, one percent more than last year.&#xD;
&#xD;
Metlink General Manager Samantha Gain said the satisfaction levels were pleasing overall, but acknowledged that since the survey was taken in June, bus service cancellations have increased from an average of 4.5% for the month due to bus driver shortages and absenteeism, to up to 10% on some days, making it difficult for customers on affected routes.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/positives-drawn-from-latest-metlink-satisfaction-survey-despite-cancellations/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-09-19T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wairarapa's number 200 bus route scheduled for expansion</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/wairarapas-number-200-bus-route-scheduled-for-expansion/</link>
      <description />
      <category>wairarapa</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/wairarapas-number-200-bus-route-scheduled-for-expansion/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-07-14T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>COVID and seasonal sickness wave hits bus drivers hard across the region</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/covid-and-seasonal-sickness-wave-hits-bus-drivers-hard-across-the-region/</link>
      <description />
      <category>covid-19</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>health</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/covid-and-seasonal-sickness-wave-hits-bus-drivers-hard-across-the-region/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-07-08T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Increased bus cancellations - 7 July 2022</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/increased-bus-cancellations-7-july-2022/</link>
      <description />
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/increased-bus-cancellations-7-july-2022/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-07-07T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>On-demand public transport launched in Wellington</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/on-demand-public-transport-launched-in-wellington/</link>
      <description>On-demand public transport was launched in Wellington for the first time today, as part of a 12-month Metlink trial in the suburb of Tawa.&#xD;
&#xD;
Using a mobile phone app designed by Via, people in Tawa can order rides from buses operating without set routes between flexible pick-up and drop-off locations, or ‘virtual stops’.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>tawa</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <category>places</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/on-demand-public-transport-launched-in-wellington/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-05-16T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.1681676 174.8247761</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metlink removes service from Wellington Interchange</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-removes-service-from-wellington-interchange/</link>
      <description>Following its latest risk assessments for the parliament protest Metlink is removing all bus services from Lambton Interchange with immediate effect and putting additional detours in place.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-removes-service-from-wellington-interchange/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-02-11T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <georss:point>-41.2780801 174.7797102</georss:point>
      <georss:featurename>Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington, Wellington City, Wellington, 6145, New Zealand</georss:featurename>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wellington’s number two bus route quietly goes electric</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/wellingtons-number-two-bus-route-quietly-goes-electric/</link>
      <description>Noisy diesel buses are a thing of the past on the number two bus route, the first in Wellington to be fully decarbonised following the arrival of the capital’s 55th electric bus.&#xD;
&#xD;
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter said the council’s public transport wing, Metlink, was now more than halfway to its goal of having 108 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by December 2023.&#xD;
&#xD;
“Metlink can be confident of reaching the target, making 22 percent of its buses electric by the end of next year,” Ponter said. “That’s one in every five.”</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>electric-vehicles</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/wellingtons-number-two-bus-route-quietly-goes-electric/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2022-02-09T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metlink announces new airport bus service partner and a zero emission fleet</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-announces-new-airport-bus-service-partner-and-a-zero-emission-fleet/</link>
      <description>Metlink is pleased to announce Mana Newlands by Transdev as their partner for the new airport express bus service launching in 2022.&#xD;
&#xD;
The partnership means that Wellingtonians from across the region will soon have an easy and convenient way to get to the Airport, with a new 7-day bus service set to run from Wellington Railway Station to the Airport in 2022.&#xD;
&#xD;
The service, funded by Metlink and delivered by Mana Newlands by Transdev as part of a six-year contract, will operate on the Metlink network, and will have Snapper ticketing, credit and debit payments by EFTPOS, real-time information and a dedicated fleet of ten new zero-emissions electric buses.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/metlink-announces-new-airport-bus-service-partner-and-a-zero-emission-fleet/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2021-12-16T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>After midnight bus services</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/after-midnight-bus-services/</link>
      <description />
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/after-midnight-bus-services/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2021-06-25T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bus driver facilities in Wellington</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/bus-driver-facilities-in-wellington/</link>
      <description>Metlink has been working with unions, territorial authorities across the region and our operators to fully understand this issue and ensure that that drivers are well supported and have access to a good standard of facilities.</description>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/bus-driver-facilities-in-wellington/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2020-11-15T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metlink to boost electric buses from 2 to 22 per cent of its fleet to meet climate change goals and passenger growth</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/metlink-to-boost-electric-buses-from-2-to-22-per-cent-of-its-fleet-to-meet-climate-change-goals-and-passenger-growth/</link>
      <description>From left to right:

Cr Daran Ponter – Chair, Greater Wellington

Keven Snelgrove – Tranzit

Brendan Prince  – NZBus

James Howard – Tranzit

Cr David Lee – Greater Wellington

Cr Roger Blakeley – Greater Wellington


The ink has dried on contracts for 98 new electric buses, which will take Metlink’s fleet of electric buses to 108, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and taking Greater Wellington a step closer on its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Metlink currently has 450 buses in its active fleet in the Wellington region 10 of which are EVs, making up two percent of the fleet.  Once the 98 buses are added to the fleet the proportion of EVs will rise to 22 per cent which, excluding market leader China, is high by international standards.

Seventy-three of the buses will be used on current scheduled services with a further 25 to be progressively added to routes to meet future network growth. The new electric buses will eventually take 61 diesel buses off the roads, leading to a 17 per cent drop in carbon emissions and a similar reduction in harmful emissions.

Greater Wellington is delivering on its promise of a building a modern low emission bus network according to Chair Daran Ponter.

“I’m sure that people across the region will be pleased to see another 61 diesel buses taken off the road and this will drive real climate benefits by deploying the new electric buses on high use areas of the network.

“Just like our plans for rail, this is also about ensuring we have a fleet in place that can cope with rising population trends and demand for public transport over the next few years.  That’s why 25 buses will be used to accommodate forecast passenger growth without an increase in emissions,” added Chair Ponter.

Climate Committee chair Cr Thomas Nash said we have to provide attractive alternatives to our current 20th century car culture if we’re serious about responding to climate change.

“Over the last two decades transport emissions rose by 14 per cent across the region, mainly from fossil fuel burning cars and trucks. 

“We need a real step change here and we know we can move far more people with far fewer vehicles if we provide high quality public transport. A modern, comfortable low emission fleet will play a key role in attracting new passengers, encouraging them to embrace public transport. We’ve got an opportunity to break free from the car-dominated landscape that’s been driving pollution in our cities - let’s take it,” added Cr Nash.

Roger Blakeley, chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee, said that the new fleet will also attract more bus drivers to the region.

“This new fleet shows our intentions for growing the network and obviously more buses means more drivers.  We want buses that drivers can be proud of and these state of the art buses, many fitted out right here in New Zealand, will help us attract drivers that want to be at the forefront of the public transport industry in New Zealand and internationally.”

As part of the deal, NZ Bus will source 67 ready-to-go large single decker EVs from China and Tranzurban will build 31 double decker EVs at Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauranga, with parts sourced from world leading Chinese bus manufacturers.

NZ Bus CEO Barry Hinkley said he was delighted that NZ Bus was making a significant contribution to NZ’s environmental performance, commenting that growing the number of EVs in its fleet is the right way forward as NZ Bus looks to a future of reduced fossil fuel usage.

"With these 67 new electric buses, NZ Bus is proud to be having the largest EV bus fleet in New Zealand. With these new orders, we will see our EV fleet grow to at least 85 buses in the short term.

"Obviously, we all should try and do as much as we can to look after our environment; taking public transport is a great way of reducing emissions, and electric public transport is an even better way.

“We’re committed to doing our bit to help reduce emissions in New Zealand and at the same time provide people with a safe and easy way to get around,” said Mr Hinkley.

Tranzurban Director Keven Snelgrove said today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to partnering with Greater Wellington and pioneering and investing in electric bus technology and infrastructure in New Zealand.

He says the 31 new double deck EVs add to the company’s fleet of 10 New Zealand-built double deck EVs successfully in operation in Wellington already.

“This new fleet will deliver multiple benefits of being New Zealand built, adding to our modern and reliable electric bus fleet and help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution for Wellingtonians.”

The buses will be delivered between mid-2021 and early 2023. </description>
      <category>print</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <category>rowing</category>
      <category>wellington</category>
      <category>art</category>
      <category>sport</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>people</category>
      <category>electric-vehicles</category>
      <category>business</category>
      <category>blogs</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2020 01:42:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/metlink-to-boost-electric-buses-from-2-to-22-per-cent-of-its-fleet-to-meet-climate-change-goals-and-passenger-growth/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2020-06-26T01:42:35Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>COVID-19: Return to full timetables on trains and buses under level 3</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/covid-19-return-to-full-timetables-on-trains-and-buses-under-level-3/</link>
      <description>Following the Government’s COVID-19 alert level 3 announcement, Metlink has revealed its plans to return to full regular timetables on buses starting on Sunday 26 April and trains on Monday 4 May.</description>
      <category>government</category>
      <category>covid-19</category>
      <category>art</category>
      <category>trains</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>health</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 01:08:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/covid-19-return-to-full-timetables-on-trains-and-buses-under-level-3/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2020-04-22T01:08:37Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bus review gives power to suburbs and communities</title>
      <link>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/bus-review-gives-power-to-suburbs-and-communities/</link>
      <description>Greater Wellington Regional Council shared the first details of the second stage of its bus network review today with public consultation forming the bulk of the work.</description>
      <category>consultation</category>
      <category>buses</category>
      <category>transport</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.metlink.org.nz/news/bus-review-gives-power-to-suburbs-and-communities/</guid>
      <dc:creator>Metlink</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2019-03-19T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
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