Electric buses start taking over from diesel shortly
Zero emissions buses are coming to Waipā from next Monday as the region’s inaugural electric bus fleet starts being deployed.
The first of six new EVs will begin replacing the diesel buses that currently operate the Cambridge (20) and Te Awamutu (24) services.
The regional council says the new buses will work to an expanded and more frequent timetable that doubles the number of weekly services connecting Waipā to Hamilton.
Each weekday, the Cambridge service will increase from eight to 20 return trips and the Te Awamutu service from nine to 19. On Saturdays and Sundays, both services increase from four to 13 return trips a day.
These extra trips mean Waipā’s regional bus services cover some of the longest distances in the country. Each bus will typically travel between 350 and 500 kilometres per day while most New Zealand public transport buses average 220 to 250 kilometres per day, the council said.
The new buses can carry 75 passengers. While staff monitor patronage numbers to understand passenger demand on the new timetable, diesel-fuelled buses will remain on hand to make sure no one is left behind.
Double decker electric buses are expected later this year, which will boost capacity at peak times.
Tranzit, which operates the Waikato’s first electric bus in Taupō, will also provide the Waipā fleet services.
The company, which has procured six brand new electric buses for the Waipā services, is using 12 additional drivers.
Regional councillor and chairperson of the regional transport commitee Mich’eal Downard said electric vehicles are critical to deliver services with at least net neutral carbon emissions between 2025 to 2050.
“Having this first fleet on the road shows we’re making great progress on our environmental goals.”