DAVID UNWIN/Stuff
Palmerston North’s first electric bus will soon be joined by a fleet of 42.
Palmerston North will be the first city in New Zealand to have a fully-electric bus fleet.
The new buses will be arriving in the city in time for the launch of a new bus service from February 2024 when a new contract with Tranzit kicks in.
Horizons Regional Council chairwoman Rachel Keedwell announced the outcome of the tender process in Te Marae o Hine, Palmerston North’s Square, on Monday afternoon.
“Introducing 42 brand-new electric buses is an exciting and fantastic step forward for decarbonising public transport in the city,” she said.
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They would supplement the one electric bus already in service on the Palmerston North and Ashhurst network.
“I’m really proud of our council for making the bold move to go fully electric and removing the current fleet of 26 diesel buses from circulation.”
The new bus service will run every 15 minutes on all routes at peak times, and every 30 minutes off-peak and at weekends.
It will cost $11.3 million a year, paid for by passenger fares, the funding agreements with tertiary organisations to support free student travel, Waka Kotahi and Palmerston North ratepayers.
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Palmerston North has one electric bus in service. The whole fleet will be electric from February 2024.
City ratepayers would see their Horizons’ rates for public transport services increase to $13 per $100,000 of their property’s capital value in July, and $19 in July 2024.
“Jumping on board the new high-frequency network will quickly provide a cost saving compared to running a private vehicle, as well as lowering emissions,” Keedwell said.
Lowering emissions from transport was a common goal for Horizons and for the city council in its aspiration to be an eco-city.
As well as having zero emissions, the new buses would be quieter, provide a smoother ride, and be more attractive and comfortable.
They would have a range of 300km, so would be able to run for a full day between charging.
Keedwell said Tanzit had a proven track record providing bus services in Palmerston North, and the new plan was an “incredible change”.
WARWICK SMITH/Stuff
Palmerston North’s diesel buses will be replaced with electric vehicles.
The new buses and timetables will be supported by a $7m climate emergency response fund grant from central government to instal new bus stop facilities, and the introduction of real-time bus tracking.
Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere said he was pleased the message about the importance of reducing emissions was gaining traction, with Horizons receiving tenders that involved predominantly electric vehicles.
“The Government has worked hard to reduce New Zealand’s emissions, so it’s great to see Horizons leading the way with a fully-electric bus fleet, giving Palmerston North residents the opportunity to transition to low emission travel options.”
Waka Kotahi regional relationships director Linda Stewart said the decision to go all electric was a bold one, and she commended Horizons for its leadership in making the change.
The new bus work operating under the fresh Connect brand is a key element of Palmerston North’s integrated transport initiatives programme which aims to improve safety and access for people in the city, alongside projects including speed management and improved walking and cycling facilities.
