Electric bus network launched in Palmerston North and Ashhurst

Palmerston North and Ashhurst get 42 new electric buses from the Horizons Regional Council and contracted to Tranzit, adding to the e-bus Tranzit introduced to Palmerston North in 2021.

An extra 50 drivers have been recruited and 10 dual e-bus chargers (able to charge up to 20 buses at once) added to the area’s bus depot, mainly to charge them overnight as the e-buses have about 300km range so can do a full day’s service before recharging.

New bus shelters across the city being installed during coming months are delivered by the Palmerston North City Council with $6.9 million funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency under its transport choices programme.

Fares are free during March to encourage patronage, while buses run every 30 minutes from 6.30am until 9pm daily, and as often as every 15 minutes at peak times.

Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell says the fully electric bus fleet, new shelters and redesigned bus network will significantly improve the public transport experience in Palmerston North and Ashhurst.

Horizons aims to reduce emissions from land transport by 30% by 2030.

Palmerston North City Council transport and development group manager Glen O’Connor says the changes help make public transport a more attractive transport option in the city.

Tranzit bus and coach general manager Jenna Snelgrove says the company is proud to continue its long partnership with Horizons Regional Council in delivering public transport services in the Manawatu.

She says the new buses are smoother, quieter, fitted with USB chargers and have more space on board for those who use wheelchairs, prams and other mobility devices.

The electric buses started Monday March 4 after shipping delays were blamed for the postponement of a planned February launch, the e-buses expected to see about 26 diesel buses removed.