NEW ZEALAND: Coach and bus operator Ritchies has been awarded the largest ever tendered bus services contract in New Zealand. The company will deliver expanded bus services in south and west Auckland with a new nine-year, NZ$1.068 billion (£488m) contract that will see 175 new electric buses introduced on the network. Ritchies CEO Michele Kernahan welcomed Aukland Transport’s decision as a vote of confidence and a reflection of the work the company has put in to increase the quality of its offering. She said she sees the contract award as a credit to the entire Ritchies team for their hard work and dedication.
As part of this win, the company also announced the acquisition of incumbent Pavlovich Coachlines by the Ritchies Transport Group. “We’re especially pleased that Pavlovich Coachlines is joining the Ritchies team. Together, we are not just building a better future for Ritchies, we’re delivering value for ratepayers and creating a more comfortable, connected and sustainable way to travel for the communities we serve,” a spokesperson said.
The company added that it will also use the opportunity of the new contract to further provide for the safety of its employees and passengers by committing to fitting its buses with advanced safety features including driver assistance systems, pedestrian and cyclist detection and fatigue management.
