Transforming Wellington’s public transport fleet to electric vehicles is an essential part of reducing carbon emissions and becoming a low carbon capital city according to local councillors.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the Council fully supports a move to electric buses.
“Transport accounts for 56% of emissions in Wellington City, so it is essential that our public transport fleet changes from diesel to electric vehicles with haste,” says Wade-Brown
“This Council has consistently said that Wellington’s bus fleet, including trolleys and diesel, should move to an entirely electric fleet,” she says.
“We are pleased that the Greater Wellington Regional Council is aiming to have the first electric bus fleet in New Zealand. We support innovative ideas to help reduce emissions, and we support electric vehicles for all powered modes of transport,” says Wade-Brown.
The Greater Wellington Regional Council, which manages public transport in Wellington City and throughout the region, is currently tendering for bus services and expects to award contracts at the end of this year.
Chair of the Transport and Urban Development Committee, councillor Andy Foster says a diverse transport system is key to Wellington’s economic, environmental and social aspirations, as well as meeting climate change targets.
“Having a high-quality public transport system is essential for reducing dependency on private motor vehicles, and electric buses must be part of a future public transport system,” says Foster.
“We know our public has a strong preference for electric buses over diesel, especially in constrained urban areas,” he says.
“Our Low Carbon Capital plan will encourage electric vehicle uptake for private vehicles too, and we’ll work with the major stakeholders to progress the rollout of an integrated fast-charging network across the city,” says Foster.
