More than 20 electric double-decker buses are bound for west Auckland, as bus usage increases in the city.
Beginning next April, the WX1 will be run exclusively by the new additions to the AT fleet.
In all, a nine-year $116 million contract between AT and New Zealand bus operator Tranzit Group will deliver 40 new electric buses to the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau.
The buses will operate under the Tranzurban Auckland brand on the key WX1, 11T/11W and 120 bus routes.
More than half of these will be the electric double-deckers.
AT’s director of public transport Stacey van der Putten said the new contract with Tranzit Group marked another step on the Mission Electric journey and demonstrates AT’s commitment to running frequent, reliable and sustainable bus services for west Auckland communities.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Tranzit Group to bring long-term certainty and a modern fleet of fully electric buses to our new West and Northwest Auckland bus routes,” said van der Putten.
“Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen fantastic growth on this frequent bus route which connects Westgate with the city centre, carrying more than 275,000 passengers so far.
“In recent months, we’ve also seen more people using buses in all parts of west Auckland than before Covid-19. In the Westgate/Massey area, patronage is about 25% higher and in Te Atatū it is about 30% higher.
“With a dedicated fleet of electric double-decker buses running the WX1 from next April, we’re looking forward to bringing improvements in reliability and comfort for our customers. This will deliver a significant boost to the capacity of the service as its popularity continues to grow.”
Tranzurban Auckland manager Brent Early said had partnered with Auckland Transport to deliver NX2 services since 2018.
“We are now looking forward to expanding our services across the city in our new electric buses that will deliver quiet and smooth services for passengers.”
AT was also installing T2 lanes in Te Atatū South in an effort to improve the overall operation and safety of bus services in the area. These were due to go live May 15, 2024. A bus priority lane was also being installed on a section of Triangle Road in Massey.
