Aucklands Changes to bus routes also introduces electric buses
Auckland Transport (AT) is reviewing its current network of buses to make sure they are efficient and people can get around easily. This includes looking at how often each route needs upgrading or replacing, and whether there’s enough capacity on each bus.
The new network will feature 32 electric city-based buses, six of which are already in operation and another two due to start running this year. These will be accessible via smartphone app or at one of three existing depots that will have a limited number of stops.
The remaining 20 routes will connect suburbs with central Auckland including Parnell, Kingsland, Albert Park, Mount Wellington, Marsden Road, Newton, Hobson Bay, Khandallah, Devonport, Orakei Basin, Onehunga, Pakuranga, Howick, Otara, Glenfield, St Mary’s College, Grey Lynn, Takapuna, Manukau, Paparua, Whangareui, Mangakino, Matamata, Ruatoria, Waiwera, Te Aupori, Mangere Bridge and Panmure.
These services will operate every 15 minutes during weekday peak times and 30 minutes off-peak. There is no planned time for night service. All but four routes run along established roads making them more suitable than current bus networks where access can be difficult and unreliable.
Three of these routes – numbers 1, 2 and 9 – currently run as part of a larger fleet operated by company Transdev under contract to NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). This means they use different software and technology, and have separate maintenance contracts.
A further 152 battery electric buses will be added on Auckland’s roads deployed over the next four years.
