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Wellington’s public transport bus fleet could be fully electric in a decade.
Wellington currently has 10 electric buses.
Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
The proposal is part of the capital’s draft regional transportation plan for the next 10 years endorsed by the Wellington Regional Council today.
Only 10 of the city’s buses are electric, but between mid-2021 and 2023 that number will rise to 108, with full electrification planned for 2030.
Other plans include new stocks for the Wellington Underground rail network and for the Palmerston North and Masterton lines, where battery electric trains are also being investigated.
Port provider East by West Ferries will also order an electric ferry next year.
The council’s plans point to a 40 percent increase in the use of public transportation, walking, biking and options like electric scooters.
Greater Wellington Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Blakeley said it was a bold plan that was timely given the government’s declaration of a climate change emergency.
Public transportation accounts for 50 percent of the region’s carbon footprint, with 37 percent from buses and 13 percent from rail.
The plan will now go up for public consultation in February.
