Twenty-six new electric double-decker buses have been launched in West Auckland, part of the city’s desire to fully replace its diesel fleet within the next decade.
On Sunday, the new double-deckers, part of a 44-strong electric bus rollout, began service on the Western Express bus line, WX1, from Westgate to the CBD.
Passengers would experience a smoother and quieter ride with less external air pollution.
The new electric fleet also includes buses equipped with wireless phone charging pads for passengers and protection shields for drivers.
Auckland Transport (AT) fleet specification manager Edward Wright said there was a 2030 target for all buses entering the city centre to be electric.
Auckland now has 224 electric buses, which AT said meant it operated more electric buses than any other city in Australasia.
“Each of these new double-decker electric buses can fit 100 passengers, and we have boosted capacity on the WX1 service by an additional 7333 seats every weekday, and 51,000 seats every week,” Wright said.
“We’re adding another 31 electric buses to our fleet by the end of June. By August next year, we will have a fleet of 450 electric buses, which is around a third of the 1350 buses that operates AT’s services.
“Longer term, we have plans in place for Auckland’s bus fleet to be fully electric by 2035.”
Bus services also upgraded
AT public transport services and planning development head Pete Moth said bus lines had also been upgraded in West Auckland as part of the fleet changeover.
“We have replaced the old 120 service with the frequent 12 service. This new route links Greenhithe and Constellation Station on the North Shore, and unlike the old service, it will run along the motorway instead of residential roads – meaning faster journeys for most users,” he said in a media release.
“It will initially run every 12 to 15 minutes in peak times, and every 30 minutes at off-peak times. Once necessary charging facilities are in place, route 12 will run at least every 15 minutes, 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
“This will bring around 40% of West Aucklanders within walking distance of a turn-up-and-go bus or train service.
“We have also added more trips to the WX1 and 11T/W services.”
It follows the Government’s announcement last week that it intended to proceed with the Northwest Busway project – which takes the route of the WX1 bus – with new cost estimates revealing a $4.4 billion pricetag.
