Driving real change Twenty

percent of Metro’s bus fleet now zero-emission

The mother of all road trips

In what could be considered the ultimate roadie, the 16 most recent electric buses to join the Metro fleet at Go Bus in Christchurch did so by way of a road trip from Auckland.

Go Bus chief executive and head of Kinetic’s New Zealand operations, Calum Haslop, says the road trip was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities.

“These electric buses can do around 400 kilometres between charges, so the 1000-kilometre drive from Auckland took them two days, charging in the middle of the day at Taupo then overnight at Wellington,” Calum says.

“Our buses typically travel 300 kilometres a day on Metro’s network, so it’s clear that they are more than capable of completing a full day’s work.”

Treading lightly

Calum says both Go Bus and Environment Canterbury recognise their role in moving more people in a way that treads even more lightly on our planet.

“Environmental sustainability, safety and reliability are top of mind when choosing an electric bus.

“We are incredibly excited about the transition of Metro’s fleet to greener and cleaner technology.

“Every bus that goes into service replaces a diesel one.

“In 2023, our electric fleet will reduce Metro’s carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by an estimated 18 percent; equivalent to nearly 2,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually, compared to a fully diesel fleet,” he says.

“Likewise, the emissions reduction from these electric buses includes 16,000 kilograms of Nitrogen Oxide emissions and 140 kilograms of particulate matter 10 (PM10), which is also a win for air quality,” he says.

The remainder of the urban fleet will be gradually replaced in the coming years under Environment Canterbury’s commitment to having a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 at the latest.

The government has been supporting the move to decarbonisation with additional funding to enable only zero-emission public transport buses to be purchased from 2025.

“Each of these buses has an immediate positive impact on the community, on the planet and on the experience for people who choose to travel with Metro every day.

“With 100 more on order for Kinetic’s New Zealand operations, we are leading the way towards a zero-emission future,” Calum says. For more information about Metro’s sustainability progress, visit: metroinfo.co.nz/sustainability.

Data provided by Emission: Impossible Ltd, a New Zealand consultancy specialising in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable transport management. CT

EV City is Christchurch’s specialist Electric and Hybrid Vehicle education and retail store.