Greater Wellington Regional Council has purchased a one-hectare site in Happy Valley for the development of a new bus depot.
The depot, set to open in mid-2028, will support the continued operation and future growth of Metlink services, including the transition to a zero-emissions fleet.
The council takes possession of the site in May 2026.
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The acquisition was strongly backed by the community, with 86 per cent of respondents supporting the strategy during consultation on Greater Wellington’s 2024–2034 Long Term Plan.
Greater Wellington Transport committee chair Thomas Nash says owning depots is key to encouraging competition and ensuring value for money.
“Value for money for residents and public transport users through open and fair competition is a key plank of our strategy, which also aims to improve the passenger experience as we transition to a zero emissions fleet,” Nash says.
“This purchase gives us a base for growth by encouraging bus operators that do not have depots to bid for Metlink contracts. It gives us certainty to make long term investments in charging infrastructure for electric buses, at a location that will help us deliver a more planned, responsive and efficient network.”
Council chair Daran Ponter says that the depot’s location will enhance service efficiency across key routes.
“We need the right infrastructure in the right places,” Ponter says.
“The depot will be near the start of several bus routes – including the high frequency route 1 – and will support the expansion and electrification of north to south services.”
With the future of the earthquake-prone Kilbirnie depot in doubt beyond 2030, and space constraints at the existing Rongotai depot, the council is also planning further investments.
“That’s why Metlink is also exploring opportunities for another depot north of Wellington, and breaking ground on a new depot by the airport to buttress east to west buses – including our most popular service, the route 2,” Ponter says.
Deputy Transport committee chair Simon Woolf described the Happy Valley acquisition as “sensible future proofing” for the region.
“Happy Valley depot will eventually strengthen bus services between Wellington’s south coast and growing areas in the north,” Woolf says.
“It will initially stable up to 80 diesel buses, until sufficient energy is connected and battery chargers installed to power our expanding electric fleet.”
South Wellington bus user and regional councillor Yadana Saw says Metlink is committed to being a good neighbour and responsible member of the Happy Valley community.
Securing this site safeguards public transport assets in public ownership. It enables genuine engagement with people working and living nearby and strengthens our partnership with mana whenua Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa Rangatira – by bringing us together on any sites of significance,” Saw says.
BigAir gym will continue to operate on the site, and other tenants will be given time to relocate.
When development begins, Metlink will work to protect Ōwhiro Stream from any stormwater run-off that comes from the section.
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