'Stop Trexit' protest: Last-minute efforts to save Wellington's trolley buses

Go Wellington trolley buses on Lambton Quay in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Last minute efforts are being made to save Wellington's trolley buses, including a protest to "Stop Trexit".

Today is the final day for the trolleys, and power to the network will be switched off at end of service tonight, about 11pm.

The buses have been a popular feature on the capital's streets for more than 60 years.

Greater Wellington regional councillor Sue Kedgley said she would be asking for tonight's move to be put on hold when the Sustainable Transport Committee meets this afternoon.

She said a new government means a new look at the plan is needed.

"A number of councillors are very concerned that before any final decision is taken, we should consult with the new Government and clarify what the Government's decision is.

"New Zealand First and the Green party had policy that they wanted the trolley buses to continue.

"There's also a very strong commitment from this new coalition Government to climate change and reducing our emissions."

A trolley bus "wake" is also being organised at the bus stop outside Unity Books on Willis St at 6pm to fall for last-minute stay of execution.

Organisers hope it will public support for the trolleys.

The gathering is also designed to offer support for last-minute negotiations between Government parties, encouraging them to "step in and stop the destruction".

At 6.30pm those gathered will catch a trolley bus to the end of the line, before returning to the city to share stories.

But it seems the moves come too late.

Regional transport committee chairwoman Barbara Donaldson said the council cannot back off now because all of the planning and contracts are in place.

And while sad to see the buses go, she said she was looking forward to a new modern fleet providing improved services.

"Wellington is growing and Metlink has to grow with it, by creating a better service for public transport users and investing in the future, not holding onto the past."

Greater Wellington Regional Council voted in 2014 to stop funding the trolleys.

New diesel and electric buses will begin service in July next year.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford said the Government would not step in.

"We've decided that central Government will not be intervening to stop the decommissioning of the trolley busses."

Asked if the local council could have done better, Twyford said: "I don't want to get into that.

"It would have been nice, I think, if the council had had a plan to roll out an all-electric bus fleet and have a seamless transition from the trolleys to electric busses, but that's not the case. It's a shame, but the costs would be prohibitive for central Government to get involved and prolong the life of this ageing infrastructure."

He said the Government's policy statement on transport would prioritise reducing carbon emissions.

"What that means in local government is that we're looking to accelerate the roll-out of low-carbon public transport, and in Wellington I think that's going to mean electric busses, and we will work the local councils to make that a reality."