Eight new electric buses for Auckland’s TamakiLink have been unveiled by Auckland Transport (AT) and operator NZ Bus, while 27 other new electric buses will serve the Eastern Bays’ routes.
Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson rode on a new electric TamakiLink bus on November 14 and says the 35 new electric buses for the Eastern Bays area offer a much cleaner and quieter experience than the previous diesel vehicles.
“Speeding up the electrification of our bus fleet is critical if we are to improve air quality across our neighbourhoods,” she says.
“It’s exciting to see our new fleet of electric buses now operating along these routes, which not only serve many locals but also tourists visiting our beautiful city.
“People out walking, cycling, and outdoor dining along Tamaki Drive and beyond are really going to notice the difference when one of these quieter buses goes past, compared to the older diesel models.”
Auckland councillor Josephine Bartley says with KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild closures next year affecting the Eastern Line, this new bus fleet gives Eastern communities another option.
AT Metro Services group manager Darek Koper says it’s the biggest deployment of zero emission buses in Auckland to date.
“This is our latest step on Auckland’s Low Emission Bus Roadmap to electrify the whole bus network.
“We know our customers already enjoy the electric buses on Waiheke and the electric CityLink and AirportLink services, so this change is the next step.
“It’s great for these communities to have these buses travel through too – with improved air quality and reduced noise.”
NZ Bus chief executive and Kinetic head of New Zealand Calum Haslop says they are extremely proud to partner with Auckland Transport for the e-bus deployment.
“Kinetic is the largest operator of electric buses in New Zealand – with 58 now in service throughout Auckland and a further 81 operating nationally across our NZ Bus and Go Bus operating units, and many more on their way.”
Mission Bay’s Bodrum Kitchen owner Beny Nirogan Yogendran says it’s great to have the new quieter buses go past his eatery.
“There’s no sound. It’s just amazing – this new technology.”
The TamakiLink is an easy way to get to and from the Eastern Bay, operating along Tamaki Drive from Britomart, to Spark Arena, Okahu Bay, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach, St Heliers Bay, and Glen Innes.
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