New Buses for Auckland and Wellington

Date 25th May 2007

New Buses for Auckland and Wellington

NZ Bus announced today that it has negotiated the purchase of 60 new diesel buses, with an option to purchase a further 90 buses, at a combined cost of $60 million, for its Auckland and Wellington operations.

Bill Rae, NZ Bus CEO, said “This latest capital investment will deliver a more comfortable traveling experience for our customers, better environmental performance, improved reliability and help make public transport more attractive to car users.”

The first 60 buses will enter service between December 2007 and March 2008, replacing the older vehicles within the fleet. The delivery arrangements for the remaining 90 buses will be confirmed once outcomes are known from government sector reviews of procedures for bus service contracting and related legislation.
“NZ Bus is committed to providing friendly, punctual and reliable services which New Zealand can be proud of. We will continue to work with our funding partners, local authorities and stakeholders to incorporate service improvements that will result in attracting more people in our towns and cities to use buses.”
“NZ Bus has a wider goal of being part of Auckland and Wellington achieving the best public transport services internationally for cities of their scale and form. A great deal of work is already going on behind the scenes to make changes for the better and today’s announcement is another concrete step on the way to that goal,” Mr. Rae said.
The purchase of the new diesel buses follows the recent announcement of the purchase of 61 new trolley buses for Wellington.

KEY FACTS:

The chassis and mechanicals for the new buses are being provided by Scania.

The bus bodies will be designed and built by Designline in Ashburton.
The new buses will meet the latest European Union emission standards. This means that exhaust emissions will be reduced by 60-90%, compared to the older buses which the new Scanias will replace.

Other features which will be appreciated by customers include air-conditioning, more seating, low floor access for parents with young children, people with disabilities and the elderly, and striking new interior colours.

Emissions: engines complying with Euro 4 initially and later Euro 5 with EGR technology (exhaust gas recirculation).

- Noise: the 9-litre engine has high torque at low revs, giving generous performance without revving high and causing unnecessary noise
- Economy: fuel-efficiency is one of the hallmarks of the 9-litre engine
- Safety: disc brakes with ABS all-round and traction control, combined with a retarder integrated in the gearbox secures brake performance also in hilly city environments
- Driver appeal: ergonomics, manoeuvrability, handling and driveability are much appreciated by drivers
- Passenger capacity: the 13.5-metre bus provides extra passenger capacity and also provides enhanced passenger comfort

ENDS

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