NZ Bus, New Zealand’s largest bus operator, has announced that it has purchased 23 Enviro500 double-deckers from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), for its Auckland operations.
“Our investment in the new double-decker buses not only reflects our partnership with Auckland Transport to deliver its plans for increasing patronage across the Auckland’s public transport network, but also emphasises our focus on providing safe, reliable and comfortable journeys for our customers,” said NZ Bus Chief Executive Officer, Zane Fulljames. “With nearly 700 buses travelling over 26m kms and carrying over 39m passengers in the Auckland region during the last year, the new buses will help us to further deliver value for our customers and partners.”
NZ Bus has agreed with Auckland Transport for fifteen of the buses to be introduced on Mt Eden Road, and eight buses on the 881 service on the North Shore. With both of these corridors experiencing passenger growth, due to significantly improved service performance, the introduction of double-decker buses and an additional 30% capacity is expected to help generate even more growth. They will be assembled at the Kiwi Bus Builders plant in Tauranga and are expected to be introduced into service between April and July 2016.
In a separate development Minister of Transport Hon Simon Bridges has officially opened NZ Bus’ new depot in Kaiwharawhara, Wellington. The strategic location of the depot, near the Wellington railway station, provides operational efficiencies and complements the city’s planned network changes. It will provide important extra capacity while the Kilbirnie depot refurbishments taking place over 2016-17.
“Being situated in a different part of the city, the new depot complements the existing depot nicely. It’s close vicinity to the Wellington railway station also produces operational efficiencies, as buses will have less distance to travel from the station where many start and end their journey,” said Zane.
