Hawke’s Bay awards Tranzit contract for all-electric urban bus fleet

Napier and Hastings will transition to an all-electric urban bus fleet from 2027 after Hawke’s Bay Regional Council awarded Tranzit Group a new nine-year contract to operate the region’s public transport network.

The contract, due to begin on August 1, 2027, will see New Zealand family-owned Tranzit Group deliver services for the new Public Transport Network using a fleet of zero-emission buses, replacing the current diesel-powered vehicles.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chair Sophie Siers says the move marks a significant step towards cleaner public transport and reducing transport emissions.

“This new contract will support a cleaner and quieter bus service for Napier and Hastings,” Siers says.

“It also reflects one of HBRC’s strategic priorities – responding to a changing climate. Reducing transport emissions is a practical way we can act on that priority, and an all-electric urban bus fleet is an important step in that direction.”

Regional Transport Committee chair Neil Kirton says the contract provides the operational platform needed to deliver the region’s new public transport network.

Tranzit Group managing director Paul Snelgrove says the company has been operating electric buses in New Zealand since 2018 and is looking forward to bringing the technology to Hawke’s Bay.

“We introduced electric bus technology into New Zealand in 2018 and since have led the introduction of electric buses into other areas of regional New Zealand, so to be introducing electric buses into Hawke’s Bay is very exciting for our team and community,” Snelgrove says.

“Our local knowledge, technical capability and commitment to clean transport will support a successful transition from diesel to an all-electric urban bus fleet and will improve the passenger experience with quieter, smoother and modern vehicles.”

The new fleet will feature next-stop audio and visual announcements, onboard and external CCTV, and charging infrastructure supplied by Napier-based charging technology company Kwetta.

Tranzit says it hopes many of the existing Napier and Hastings bus drivers will join the company ahead of the network’s launch.

The contract follows a competitive procurement process, with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council now working with Tranzit on fleet procurement, depot and charging infrastructure, operational systems and customer communications ahead of the August 2027 start date.