Canterbury Regional Council public transport core service lead Councillor Joe Davies said it was exciting to have the new electric vehicles joining the MyWay network.
‘‘This milestone means that our regular MyWay fleet will soon be fully electric, while two of our previous vehicles will remain on standby as spares,’’ Cr Davies said.
‘‘Transitioning MyWay to a fully electric fleet is a strong example of how regional investment can deliver practical emissions reductions while improving everyday services for our communities.
‘‘It supports our wider transport and climate objectives and demonstrates the value of planning for long term, low carbon outcomes,’’ he said.
The organisation was awarded the contract for the vehicles before the recent surge in fuel prices.
Six of the new EVs, known as ‘‘very small buses’’ or VSBs, are the first of their kind in New Zealand, while the remaining four are similar in design to other MyWay vehicles.
Public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said that VSBs offered more room inside and could seat up to 13 passengers, and up to 13 standing.
‘‘The VSBs have nearly double the number of seats compared to our other MyWay vehicles,’’ Mr Gibbon said.
‘‘They have fold-up seats which provide improved accessibility for wheelchairs and prams, with step-free access when boarding,’’ he said.
Each VSB has a 155kWh battery with an expected driving range of about 300km per charge. Vehicles can be on the road for the whole day, and charging is only expected to be required in the evening when the vehicle is parked at the depot.
‘‘Our MyWay partner, Ritchies Transport, has extensive experience operating zero-emission fleets and has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our on-demand service.
‘‘We already have four EV minivans and one VSB on the road. The remaining VSBs will be gradually rolled out as they are made ready for the MyWay network.‘‘
‘‘Having these 10 new electric vehicles further reduces our carbon emissions and brings us another step closer to a fully electric public transport network across all of Canterbury.’’
Passengers bringing bikes on MyWay need to reserve a bike space when booking a ride in the app to ensure they are assigned a bus with a bike rack.
