Jump onboard EV double-decker bus!

Piers Fuller Reporter from News of Wairarapa

It’s bound to turn a few heads or get a second glance … after all it’s not every day Wairarapa residents get to see an electric double-decker bus drive passed.
But this Thursday, one of Tranzit Group’s EV double-deckers will be in Masterton ahead of the Wairarapa Awards of which Tranzit is a finalist in the innovation category. Tranzit director Paul Snelgrove said to celebrate the awards he wanted to showcase the buses innovative electric technology to the community and is offering free rides to members of the public.
Mr Snelgrove said the bus is one of the first fully-electric double-deckers in the southern hemisphere currently operating in Wellington as part of the company’s Tranzurban bus fleet.
"We set ourselves the target of having a 100 per cent electric bus fleet and one of the first steps in achieving this was adding 10 new double-deckers to our fleet this year. By 2021 we will have 32 electric double-deckers,” he said. “This is the first time this bus has come to the Wairarapa and we are inviting members of the public to come and see it for themselves and check out the amazing technology we’ve invested in. It’s the perfect fun outing during the school holidays.”
The bus was built by Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauranga, with the batteries provided by global company Microvast and the chassis coming from China-based company TEG. They get charged overnight at Tranzurban’s depot in Rongotai but can also regenerate battery power when braking.
Tranzit Group operations director Keven Snelgrove said having the EV double-deckers on the road follows a decade of research by the company.
"We looked at innovation in networks and services in global centres throughout Asia, Europe and North America to select the best technology for Wellington," he said. "Our decision was based on performance, reliability and consideration for the environment, without compromise."
Mr Snelgrove said it was great for the company to be recognised for their commitment to innovation and to the environment. In addition to being a finalist in Thursday night’s awards, Tranzit is also sponsoring the Vibrant Category.

DETAILS for Thursday, 4th October:
Tranzit will offer free rides in their electric double decker bus on Thursday, 4th October between 10am – 2pm. The bus will depart from Tranzit, located at 316 - 330 Queen Street Masterton every 20 minutes.
The Tranzit electric double decker bus will also be parked outside the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park from 4pm.