Big boost for Stagecoach fleet

By SCOTT MACLEOD

Stagecoach has ordered 95 new buses for Auckland as passenger numbers continue to grow.

The public transport firm will spend $50 million on 95 low-floor, low-polluting diesel buses for Auckland and 25 for Wellington.

Stagecoach spokesman Russell Turnbull said 25 to 30 vehicles would be used to boost the firm's Auckland fleet of 580 buses. The rest would replace existing buses.

Stagecoach has also ordered a prototype trolley bus as part of a scheme to replace its 60-strong Wellington fleet over the next three years.

Half of the $50 million will go to Designline of Ashburton and other New Zealand firms.

Stagecoach executive chairman Ross Martin said public transport numbers were up 7.6 per cent in Auckland this year, equivalent to an extra 2.9 million trips.


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