New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has announced an all-electric urban bus fleet, announcing a major operator will run the services.
Napier and Hastings will have a fully electric bus fleet starting in 2027, marking a step towards cleaner and quieter public transport in the region.
The council has awarded a nine-year contract to New Zealand family-owned Tranzit Group to deliver the services that’ll support the 2027 Public Transport Network.
The contract is set to get underway on August 1, 2027 following a transition and implementation period.
HBRC chair Sophie Siers says the all-electric fleet will be a significant step for public transport in Hawke’s Bay.
“This new contract will support a cleaner and quieter bus service for Napier and Hastings. It also reflects one of HBRC’s strategic priorities – responding to a changing climate,” Siers says.
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“Reducing transport emissions is a practical way we can act on that priority, and an all-electric urban bus fleet is an important step in that direction.”
HBRC regional transport committee chair Neil Kirton says the contract is an important step in preparing for the 2027 Public Transport Network.
“This contract gives us the operational platform to deliver the next stage of public transport for Napier and Hastings, with a fleet and service model built for the future network,” Kirton says.
Tranzit Group managing director Paul Snelgrove says Tranzit has a long-standing commitment to Hawke’s Bay, with the operator excited to build on its presence in the region.
“We introduced electric bus technology into New Zealand in 2018 and since have led the introduction of electric buses into other areas of regional New Zealand, so to be introducing electric buses into Hawke’s Bay is very exciting for our team and community,” Snelgrove says.
“Our local knowledge, technical capability and commitment to clean transport will support a successful transition from diesel to an all-electric urban bus fleet and will improve the passenger experience with quieter, smoother and modern vehicles.”
He says Tranzit hopes many of the current Napier and Hastings urban bus drivers will choose to join the Tranzit family, continuing to deliver the services local passengers know and rely on.
The new contract is expected to deliver brand new zero-emissions vehicles designed to support a more comfortable passenger experience with wider aisles and a light and airy design.
These buses will include next-stop audio and visual announcement, CCTV both inside and outside and charging infrastructure supplied by Napier-based charging technology company Kwetta.
Napier and Hastings public transport is funded through a targeted rate paid by Napier and Hastings ratepayers, central government co-investment through NZTA and passenger fares.
The contract award follows a formal procurement and evaluation process. HBRC will now work with the Tranzit Group on the detailed mobilisation program, including fleet transition, depot and charging arrangements, staff readiness, operational systems and customer communications.
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