Metlink wants more MPs using Wellington e-buses

Instead of Christmas cards, the Greater Wellington Regional Council is sending new MPs a Snapper card preloaded with $20 to use Metlink’s Airport Express bus services featuring electric buses between the airport and Beehive to help reduce their carbon footprint and save taxpayer’s money.

Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter has sent the Snapper cards accompanied by a letter from him reminding MPs their expenses will be scrutinised to the last cent during the coming parliamentary term.

“Everyone is expected to be doing more with less at the moment, so this a great opportunity for MPs to keep costs down and use a sustainable form of transport that doesn’t add to the carbon footprint from flying up and down the country each week,” he says.

Metlink’s Airport Express runs seven days a week from Wellington Airport to the Wellington Railway Station every 10 to 20 minutes with a short walk to Parliament from the station.

“Like a cheaper yet equally comfortable Koru lounge on wheels, there’s free wIfI on board so MPs can do their work on the go,” says Ponter.

“A one-way trip using a Snapper card takes less than $8 from the taxpayer’s coffers – far better value than $40 or more on taxi fares,” he explains.

“MPs that forget their handy Snapper card can also use cash and contactless credit and debit cards onboard.

“The Airport Express also uses the Hataitai bus tunnel to miss the traffic that continues to build up around the basin while debate on Let’s Get Wellington Moving and State Highway 1 continues.”

Metlink’s Airport Express patronage exceeded forecast demand during its first year of operation. About 364,191 trips have been taken on the Transdev/Mana Newlands operated bus service since July 1, 2022 – 128% of the number expected.

The all-electric fleet has saved 300-400 tonnes of CO2-e emissions compared to what a diesel fleet would have produced.