South Auckland public transport tender awarded to Go Bus

South Auckland public transport tender awarded to Go Bus Transport

Go Bus Transport, New Zealand’s largest and most diverse bus operator, has welcomed the decision from Auckland Transport to award it four South Auckland public transport contracts following a competitive tendering process.

The contract represents a significant milestone for Go Bus, and demonstrates its ability to provide a quality, reliable and high performing service across one of the country’s busiest passenger transport areas.

“This is great news for the Go Bus team,” said Calum Haslop, Go Bus Managing Director. “We are all delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Auckland Transport and to deliver urban passenger bus routes across much of South Auckland.

“Go Bus currently provides contracted urban bus services to more regional authorities in the country than any other operator, and we have a strong track record of providing passenger transport in busy urban areas. Entry into the Auckland market signals a new phase in our continued growth. We are also the biggest provider of School Bus services throughout the country.

“Working alongside Auckland Transport, Go Bus will provide improved transport choices and help ease congestion in South Auckland by providing a reliable, efficient and modern public transport service.”

The contracts, which commence in October 2016, will see Go Bus invest $40 million in new vehicles, equipment and new depot facilities. The service will be managed from the company’s Mangere office where a number of the organisation’s senior management team are based and from where Go Bus currently operates a significant Auckland Ministry of Education contract.

Go Bus will supply a total of 89 buses for the Auckland Transport contracts, the majority of which will be brand new and locally built on European chassis. The new low-emission buses will primarily be manufactured by Tauranga-based Kiwi Bus Builders and Rolleston-based Designline Bus Pacific.

“We have a long history of partnering with New Zealand bus builders. These new additions to our fleet will deliver South Auckland passengers a much improved bus experience, with an emphasis on safety, quality, comfort and reliability. The fleet will also feature Euro 5 compliant diesel engines that meet the world’s toughest emission standards as well as being very economical,” continued Mr Haslop.

In addition to the infrastructure investment, 250 new jobs in both driver and management roles will be created.

“Go Bus has a strong people-focussed ethos in all aspects of its business from recruitment to service delivery. We have a good reputation for offering competitive wages and we will be encouraging registrations of interest for employment via our website www.gobus.co.nz in the near future.

“We will be looking for motivated individuals to join our team to help us provide a service that customer’s value and Go Bus is proud to deliver.”

Contract areas include:

- Airport service (currently Route 380)
- Mangere Bridge to Auckland CBD
- Papatoetoe/Otara
- Otahuhu

South Auckland Public Transport contract highlights:

- $40 million investment in new buses
- 250 new jobs
- Two new depots
- Improved services around new Manukau and Otahuhu interchanges
- Connecting passengers (Wi-Fi and USB power supplies)

ENDS

© Scoop Media