Double-decker buses to be built in Tauranga

Richard Drummond of Kiwi Bus, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Dr Lester Levy of Auckland Transport. Photo/George Novak

A new rule change which allows heavier vehicles, including double-decker buses, to travel on Auckland city roads, is great news for the Tauranga economy.

A fleet of 53 double-decker buses, 36 of which will be built by Tauriko-based Kiwi Bus Builders, will soon be hitting Auckland's public transport routes.

The new buses which will have the capacity to carry up to 90-100 passengers are being introduced by three of Auckland's main operators - NZ Bus, Howick and Eastern and Ritchies.

Richard Drummond of Kiwi Bus, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Dr Lester Levy of Auckland Transport. Photo/George Novak

With the exception of two prototypes being built in the United Kingdom, the Howick and Eastern (15 buses) and NZ Bus (23 buses) fleets will be manufactured in Tauranga. The 15 Ritchies double-deckers are being built in China and will be delivered in January.

Tauranga MP and Transport Minister Simon Bridges, accompanied by Auckland Transport Chairman Dr Lester Levy, launched the rule change at Kiwi Bus Builders premises yesterday.

Changes to the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass rule, which comes into effect next month, will allow local government and other road controlling authorities to issue permits for high-capacity buses.

Mr Bridges said: "This is a significant rule change which we will really see take effect in Auckland first, but, given time, potentially in other cities as well. There has already been interest from Wellington and Christchurch councils and other places too."

The Minister described the double-decker buses as being the "biggest anti-congestion" tool. "I think if we are serious about public transport we need to get serious about our buses. I take nothing away from other forms of transport but there is no question buses are the number one form of public transport bar none," he said.

Dr Levy said there had been an unprecedented increase in public transport patronage in Auckland and double-decker buses were key to reducing the Super City's number one problem - congestion.

"This is one of the single biggest private investments in public transport infrastructure in Auckland ever, "he said.

Kiwi Bus Builders managing director Richard Drummond said the multi-million dollar contract being completed in partnership with UK-based leading bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited meant the company would employ another 45 staff.

He said key components were due to arrive in Tauranga next month from overseas and the first bus was due to be delivered to Auckland in January and the last buses by July 2016.