NZ Bus has partnered with two telematics providers – and will also spend $8 million – to enhance its Wellington fleet with new environmentally-friendly buses.
After recently announcing deals with Team Talk for radio communications, NZ Bus will partner with Vehicle Technologies of New Zealand and MiX Telematics to deploy a vehicle and driver data capture system across the entire fleet.
The system provides feedback to drivers in real-time about their driving style, and engine data to fleet maintenance teams.
Combined with programs such as ‘pathway to safer driving’ and ‘Safed’, the information collected will be used as part of the company’s improvement program which aims to provide best-in-class in safety, driver performance, fleet management and customer service.
“This multi-million dollar investment demonstrates yet again our commitment to supporting our driver development, while delivering safe and reliable public transport services to New Zealanders,” says Zane Fulljames, CEO NZ Bus.
“Vehicle Technologies and MiX Telematics have a demonstrated a track record of providing effective fleet optimisation solutions and a clear appreciation for the values that drive NZ Bus.”
Charles Tasker, head of fleet telematics at MiX says: “NZ Bus joins our growing global bus and coach customer list – and being associated with the largest operator of urban bus services in New Zealand is testament to our position in the market. Working with Vehicle Technologies, we look forward to helping NZ Bus realise the many benefits our solution has to offer.”
NZ Bus have also begun rolling out 20 new Alexander Dennis ADL Enviro200 buses into Wellington as part of the ongoing improvements in service.
Fulljames says the new buses are Euro 5+ compliant and will be fully operation by February 2013.
“Deploying these state of the art, environmentally-friendly buses in Wellington, is another key milestone in our quest to provide the best public transport solutions for our customers, partners and staff,” he says.
“They are another example of how we are actively looking for ways to improve our service, reduce the environmental impact, and let more people into the best kept secret in New Zealand – the benefits of travelling by public transport.”
Fran Wilde, chair of greater Wellington Regional Council called the buses an earlier Christmas present for public transport users.
“Modern, comfortable vehicles that are easy to get on and off and pleasant to travel in encourage people to leave their car at home and take the bus. This is a great investment in the region’s public transport network,” she says.
The components for the ADL buses are produced by UK-based bus builders Alexander Dennis and are flat packed and shipped to New Zealand, where they are assembled by Kiwi Bus Builders at their purpose-built facility in Tauranga.
