A second articulated bus trial to test transport infrastructure along Metlink’s route 2 is set to place this week, confirming if the road and bus stop infrastructure between Karori and Courtenay Place will be suitable.
Metlink bus stops have been built with articulated buses in mind, the test hoping to give confidence that the buses will operate seamlessly through the city.
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Taking place January 23 and 24, the trial will also assess how the buses will park and charge at their depot, identify training requirements for drivers, and changes required for the remainder of route 2 (Courtenay Place to Miramar and Seatoun).
There will also be a test of common diversion routes during road closures to confirm suitability.
As new electric articulated buses are not yet in New Zealand, the trail will use an older model borrowed from Auckland.
The first set of electric articulated buses are expected to join Metlink’s fleet in 2026, able to meet growing passenger demand on the busiest route in Wellington.
At the moment, the Karori and Seatoun tunnels are too small to accommodate double decker buses, making articulated buses the best solution.