Napier and Hastings will have an all-electric urban bus fleet starting in 2027, marking a major step toward cleaner, quieter public transport for the region, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has confirmed.
The Council has awarded New Zealand family-owned Tranzit Group a new nine-year contract to deliver the urban bus services that will support the 2027 Public Transport Network. The contract is expected to start on 1 August 2027, following a transition and implementation period.
Council Chair, Sophie Siers said the all-electric fleet would be a significant step for public transport in Hawke’s Bay.
“This new contract will support a cleaner and quieter bus service for Napier and Hastings. It also reflects one of HBRC’s strategic priorities – responding to a changing climate. Reducing transport emissions is a practical way we can act on that priority, and an all-electric urban bus fleet is an important step in that direction,” she said.
Council Regional Transport Committee Chair, Neil Kirton said the contract was an important step in preparing for the 2027 Public Transport Network.
“This contract gives us the operational platform to deliver the next stage of public transport for Napier and Hastings, with a fleet and service model built for the future network,” he said.
Tranzit Group Managing Director Paul Snelgrove says, “Tranzit has a long-standing commitment to Hawke’s Bay, and we are excited to build on our existing presence in the region.”
“We introduced electric bus technology into New Zealand in 2018 and since have led the introduction of electric buses into other areas of regional New Zealand, so to be introducing electric buses into Hawke’s Bay is very exciting for our team and community. Our local knowledge, technical capability and commitment to clean transport will support a successful transition from diesel to an all-electric urban bus fleet and will improve the passenger experience with quieter, smoother and modern vehicles.”
Mr Snelgrove said Tranzit hopes many of the current Napier and Hastings urban bus drivers will choose to join the Tranzit family, continuing to deliver the services local passengers know and rely on.
The new contract is expected to deliver:
• Brand new zero-emission vehicles designed to support a more comfortable passenger experience with wider aisles and light and airy design
• Next-stop audio and visual announcements on all buses
• CCTV inside and outside buses, with live viewing capability available for authorised operational purposes
• Charging infrastructure supplied by Kwetta, a Napier-based charging technology company and
• Continued support for the region’s wider public transport and climate goals.
Napier and Hastings public transport is funded through a targeted rate paid by Napier and Hastings ratepayers, central government co-investment through NZTA, and passenger fares.
The contract award follows a formal procurement and evaluation process. Council will now work with the Tranzit Group on the detailed mobilisation programme, including fleet transition, depot and charging arrangements, staff readiness, operational systems and customer communications.
