The first of the new double-decker buses is rolled out in Wellington, with the support of Carterton Mayor John Booth, left, Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott, Tranzit managing director Paul Snelgrove, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson, South Wairarapa Mayor Viv Napier and Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Masterton company Tranzit has unveiled the country’s first fully-electric buses, destined for winding Wellington streets.
Tranzit Group managing director Paul Snelgrove said New Zealand would get a taste of public of transport’s future, “and it’s a game-changer”.
“In our 90-plus years in service as a bus operator, we saw that bringing this technology to New Zealand was not only our job, but our responsibility.
“The world is changing. We believe Wellington and New Zealand should be leading the way in public transport, and we’re delighted that the Greater Wellington Regional Council shares that vision.”
Each bus weighs about 12 tonnes and costs $1 million.
Their dimensions have been kept purposely compact to meet the limitations of Wellington routes.
The initial fleet of 10 electric double-deckers will be phased in from July 15 in Wellington, bolstered by 10 more in 2020 and another 12 in 2021.
They will form part of a fleet of 234 brand new electric and diesel buses to serve the bulk of Wellington and Hutt Valley commuter routes.
