EAST AUCKLANDERS will soon be able to enjoy a quiet, zero-emissions bus experience thanks to Auckland Transport (AT) and local Transdev subsidiary Howick and Eastern, the companies have announced.
Purchased by AT, the new state-of-the-art Yutong E13 three-axle electric bus will be operated by Howick and Eastern on routes throughout the Eastern suburbs and to and from the City, catering for up to 78 passengers per trip, Transdev confirms.
General manager of Howick and Eastern Sheryll Otway says the new three-axle vehicle would provide a superior experience for both customers and drivers.
“The new vehicle is designed for passenger comfort, offering a smoother, quieter and more sustainable journey for customers,” Otway said.
“The bus is the first extra-large electric vehicle on the road in Auckland, and our drivers are very excited to have been given the opportunity to get behind the wheel,” she explained.
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2040 GOAL
Transdev Australasia CEO Luke Agati congratulated Auckland Transport for its ambition to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.
“Globally, Transdev is a leader in zero-emissions mobility and we are proud to be partnering with government agencies, including AT, to bring new fleet and technologies to more places,” Agati said.
“By replacing existing legacy fleets with new zero-emissions vehicles we can work together to reduce our carbon footprint, improve the long-term sustainability of the transport network, and make public transport an even easier choice for customers,” he added.
Auckland’s newest electric vehicle has been specifically designed to meet New Zealand conditions and is powered by a 422kW battery, with the vehicle capable of travelling up to 400 kilometres on a single charge, Transdev confirms.
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ABOUT HOWICK & EASTERN
Howick & Eastern Buses is an urban bus operator in Auckland with a fleet of 145 buses and runs 23 routes under contract to Auckland Transport, it confirms.
Throughout its long history the company has remained a leader in customer-centric innovation, introducing New Zealand’s first motorised bus in 1906, it states.
Howick & Eastern joined Transdev in August, 2019.
Photography: courtesy Transdev Australasia