E-buses for Palmerston North

Palmerston North expects to have the first fully electric bus fleet in the country from February 19 next year.

So says Horizons Regional Council chair Rachel Keedwell, adding the council invited involved parties to Te Marae o Hine – The Square on April 4 to share the news after it decided to make the fleet fully electric via a recent tender process.

“Introducing 42 brand new electric buses is an exciting and fantastic step forward for decarbonising public transport in the city,” says Keedwell.

“These buses will service the upcoming new and improved Palmerston North and Ashhurst network, which will more than double the number of current bus trips available.

“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.”

Keedwell says the decision supports Horizons and the city in achieving goals of reducing emissions from transport, including from its bus fleet, and gets Palmerston North closer to the city council’s eco-city aspirations.

“There is currently only one electric bus in the Palmerston North fleet, so the new total will be 43, making one of the largest electric bus fleets in the country too.”

Buses at peak times will be every 15 minutes on every route, and 30 minutes outside these times and on weekends, meaning options for getting around the city will be frequent, Keedwell adds.

“Along with having zero emissions, the new bus fleet will be quieter, provide a smoother ride and be more attractive and comfortable for users.

“The new buses also have a range of more than 300km so they can undertake a full day in service without needing to charge.”

Tranzit Group has been awarded the contract for the switch.

Keedwell says bus stops across the city are also getting upgraded and installed in new locations, with $7 million funding from central government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund.

“These upgrades will include real time bus tracking information making the bus an attractive and reliable option for people looking to shift from private vehicles.”

Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere is pleased the Government signals for New Zealanders to reduce emissions is getting through as the tenders Horizons received were predominately electric.

“Through the Emissions Reduction Plan public transport is identified as playing a key role in the transition to net zero, and as we look to the future it is more important than ever to have effective, reliable, and accessible public transport services in place.”

Tne e-buses will be brought to New Zealand in coming months and prepared for the new network staring February 19 2024.

Horizons and the Palmerston North City Council will engage with the community on the e-buses’ supporting infrastructure.

“The network will cost $11.3 million per year and is funded by passenger fares, funding agreements with tertiary organisations, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and Horizons ratepayers in Palmerston North,” Keedwell explains.

“Palmerston North ratepayers will see an increase for public transport services with the 1 July 2023 cost of $13 per $100,000 of capital value increasing to $19 once the service is fully up and running in 2024.

“However, 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.”

Waka Kotahi NZTA regional relationships director Linda Stewart praises Horizons’ move to be the first fully electrified bus fleet in New Zealand.

The new bus network is a core project in the Palmerston North Integrated Transport Initiative’s (PNITI) programme.

It is part of one wider package of work to improve safety and access for people in the city, alongside other projects such as speed management, improved walking and cycling facilities.

Connect, the brand for Horizons regional transport, will be present on all buses operating in the Palmerston North fleet.

An extra 50 drivers are needed.

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