Double decker buses for Auckland? | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Double-decker buses could soon be seen on Auckland city streets. NZ Bus, which operates the region's major commuter fleets, announced today it is exploring the idea, along with hybrid/electric buses.

Floating the idea with an artist's impression of a London-style double-decker in Metrolink's purple livery, CEO Zane Fulljames describes the options as being "in our pursuit of the best public transport solutions for our partners, customers, employees and the environment.

"This is another incredibly exciting step for our business, our customers, staff, and ultimately the quality and reliability of bus public transport in New Zealand as we continue to reshape our business."

Mr Fulljames also announced the purchase of 40 new ADL buses for $16 million. Tauranga-based Kiwi Bus Builders will deliver a total of 198 European-designed, New Zealand-assembled buses, worth $82 million, over the next 18 months.

The first 38 ADL buses were deployed into Auckland's three Link routes for the Rugby World Cup. Mr Fulljames says these created 50 new jobs and now carry over 20,000 passengers a day.

"Kiwi Bus Builders assemble the Alexander Dennis buses and the flow-on effect is not only in the plant, premises and jobs required for the assembly, but also in the fact that 25-30 per cent of all the bus components will be locally sourced with a projected four year revenue opportunity for New Zealand suppliers of $38 million.

"Our continued investment in the new fleet replacement programme represents a positive outlook in support of the Government's stated intentions to deliver public transport solutions built on strong long-term partnerships between the public and private sectors," he said.

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