A new era of public transport is coming to Aorangi Feilding and the wider Manawatū, with Horizons Regional Council and Manawatū District Council (MDC) announcing a fully electric bus network set to launch in July next year.
The new contract, awarded to Tranzit, will continue two key services under the Services for Manawatū | Aorangi Feilding banner:
- A commuter link between Feilding and Palmerston North;
- The Orbiter service within Feilding.
Both services will operate seven days a week with increased frequency compared to the current network, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
Horizons Regional Council chair, Rachel Keedwell says the new network reflects the region’s commitment to sustainability and community connectivity.
“This is a big step forward for public transport in our region. With a fully electric fleet, we’re not just improving access and frequency for passengers, we’re also cutting more than 120,000 litres of annual diesel use. That’s a win for our environment and our communities,” says Cr Keedwell.
“Horizons has a goal in our Regional Land Transport Plan of reducing emissions from land transport by 30% by 2030. Electrifying more of our public transport fleet, while also making the network more attractive with improved frequency and route design, will help us achieve this goal.
“Getting more people using public transport not only provides more accessibility and reduces reliance on private vehicles, but also frees up roads for those who do need to drive.”
The commuter service will run large EV buses between Feilding and Palmerston North from 6.30am to 8pm on weekdays, and 8am to 7pm on weekends, with increased frequency during peak times, including school runs. The Orbiter will use a smaller EV bus to circulate within Feilding, operating 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 6.30pm on weekends.
Mark Read, Horizons manager transport services, says the new network has been designed with growth and accessibility in mind.
“We’ve listened to our community through two phases of consultation, and this network reflects what people told us they need. Extending The Orbiter into Feilding’s northern growth areas and maintaining direct school services to Feilding High School and Palmerston North Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools are just two examples of how we’re planning for the future,” says Mr Read.
Cr Keedwell said Horizons and MDC have worked closely together to develop a network that both meets the community’s needs and is workable from an infrastructure point of view.
“MDC does the infrastructure, and we do the buses – that approach doesn’t work if we don’t work well together,” she says.
The Feilding services carried more than 96,000 passengers in the past year, with children aged 5–18 making up 44% of all trips. The busiest trip in July 2025 saw 46 passengers on a single service to Feilding.
With the buses set to travel approximately 305,000 kilometres per year, Tranzit will establish a local depot in Feilding to support EV charging and operations.
Tranzit Coachlines Manawatū Manager, Tony Chettleburgh says the new contract extends the company’s relationship with Horizons Regional Council and continues Tranzit’s electrification of public transport in regional New Zealand.
Mr Read notes that in preparation for the new network, some changes will be made to the current route.
“From September, the Palmerston North Airport loop road will be closed to buses for approximately three months. Once reopened, the Feilding-Palmerston North service will no longer travel via the loop and will use Grey Street in both directions, improving travel time and efficiency,” he said.
Dedicated Orbiter livery is in development to help the community easily identify the around-town service, while all other buses will feature the familiar Connect branding.
