Latest news with #Metlink
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Happy Valley Land Purchased For Metlink Bus Depot
Press Release – Greater Wellington Te Pane Matua Taiao Approved by 86% of respondents during consultation for the 2024-34 Long term Plan, the strategy to acquire depot sites is considered crucial for securing the long-term continuity of Metlink bus services. A Happy Valley site has been purchased by Greater Wellington for the development of a bus depot as part of the regional council's Public Transport Asset Control Strategy. Approved by 86% of respondents during consultation for the 2024-34 Long term Plan, the strategy to acquire depot sites is considered crucial for securing the long-term continuity of Metlink bus services. Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says by controlling depots, the council is removing barriers for new bus operators to enter the market. '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,' Cr 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.' 'We need the right infrastructure in the right places,' says Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter. '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. 'Beyond 2030, the future is uncertain for the earthquake prone, historic Kilbirnie bus depot, while a depot in Rongotai has space constraints. '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.' Greater Wellington takes possession of the one-hectare, Happy Valley section in May 2026, and plans for a depot to open there in mid-2028. Deputy Transport Committee chair Simon Woolf says the purchase is '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,' Cr 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,' Cr Saw says. 'BigAir gym will continue to operate on the site, and other tenants will be given time to relocate. When development begins, we'll take steps to protect Ōwhiro Stream from any stormwater run-off that comes from the section. This is a win for transport, the environment and our community for the long term.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Happy Valley Land Purchased For Metlink Bus Depot
A Happy Valley site has been purchased by Greater Wellington for the development of a bus depot as part of the regional council's Public Transport Asset Control Strategy. Approved by 86% of respondents during consultation for the 2024-34 Long term Plan, the strategy to acquire depot sites is considered crucial for securing the long-term continuity of Metlink bus services. Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says by controlling depots, the council is removing barriers for new bus operators to enter the market. '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,' Cr 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.' 'We need the right infrastructure in the right places,' says Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter. '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. 'Beyond 2030, the future is uncertain for the earthquake prone, historic Kilbirnie bus depot, while a depot in Rongotai has space constraints. '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.' Greater Wellington takes possession of the one-hectare, Happy Valley section in May 2026, and plans for a depot to open there in mid-2028. Deputy Transport Committee chair Simon Woolf says the purchase is '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,' Cr 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,' Cr Saw says. 'BigAir gym will continue to operate on the site, and other tenants will be given time to relocate. When development begins, we'll take steps to protect Ōwhiro Stream from any stormwater run-off that comes from the section. This is a win for transport, the environment and our community for the long term.'
RNZ News
02-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Wellington trains running again after delays, disruptions
Metlink says buses were replacing trains for the majority of the network on Tuesday morning. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens Wellington region rail commuters have been welcomed back from the long weekend with a raft of disruptions. Metlink said buses were replacing trains for the majority of the network on Tuesday morning because of a points fault affecting signal lights. It said this was not linked to the track network upgrade work over the weekend. Wairarapa commuters were being delayed on Tuesday morning because of rust that built up while the tracks were closed for the upgrade. Trains must slow to 10 km/h on affected level crossings until the rust has been worn off by several trains. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
30-05-2025
- 1News
No trains running in Auckland, Wellington over King's Birthday
Trains in Auckland and Wellington won't run across King's Birthday weekend with infrastructure works leaving buses to pick up the slack. The metropolitan centres are both upgrading their networks, warning passengers to expect delays. In Wellington, Metlink says all trains will stop running between Saturday and Monday, as works to repair bridges, replace tracks, and upgrade level crossings take place. Services in Auckland have paused from Friday, with Auckland Transport confirming their return on Monday, as crews upgrade the network. Both cities are using rail replacement buses to support those needing to travel. ADVERTISEMENT In Auckland there have already been weeks of shutdowns in January and April. Further rail closures are also planned for Matariki weekend, and for two weeks during school holidays in July. All trains will be shut over Matariki weekend, between June 20-23. A partial closure has also been scheduled for the winter school holidays between June 28 and July 13.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
No trains running in Auckland, Wellington over King's Birthday
Photo: Auckland Transport Trains in Auckland and Wellington won't run across King's Birthday weekend with infrastructure works leaving buses to pick up the slack. The metropolitan centres are both upgrading their networks, warning passengers to expect delays. In Wellington, Metlink says all trains will stop running between Saturday and Monday, as works to repair bridges, replace tracks, and upgrade level crossings take place. Services in Auckland have paused from Friday, with Auckland Transport confirming their return on Monday, as crews upgrade the network. Both cities are using rail replacement buses to support those needing to travel. In Auckland there have already been weeks of shutdowns in January and April. Further rail closures are also planned for Matariki weekend, and for two weeks during school holidays in July. All trains will be shut over Matariki weekend, between 20-23 June. A partial closure has also been scheduled for the winter school holidays between 28 June and 13 July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
