Auckland Transport and Fullers360’s Waiheke Bus Company have confirmed Waiheke residents and visitors will see six new electric buses on the island roads next year, with an additional five expected soon after.  

Fullers360 Chief Executive Officer Mike Horne says: “With Auckland Transport’s support, Fullers360 and Waiheke Bus Company are proud to lead a significant reduction in road emissions on Waiheke Island. 

“As we revamp our fleet with new electric vehicles, the buses will continue to play an important role in connecting the Waiheke community to Matiatia Wharf and destinations across the island.” 

The electric buses will be the same as those successfully trialled by Auckland Transport since April last year on a number of bus routes across the region. 

With road transport making up Auckland’s largest source of emissions, the decision to electrify the island’s bus network is a positive step towards community group Electric Vehicle Waiheke’s goal of an all-electric vehicle island by 2030.  

The initiative will contribute to the sustainable tourism goals in Auckland’s Destination AKL 2025 strategy. 

In 2017, Auckland Council signed the C40 Fossil Fuel-Free-Streets Declaration, joining a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. The declaration commits Auckland to procuring only zero emission buses from 2025. 

Prior to the introduction of the electric buses in mid-2020, Waiheke Island will get a new bus network from mid-October this year. Visit AT.govt.nz/NewNetworkWaiheke for details. 

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