Patronage on Metlink’s Airport Express bus service in Wellington has exceeded forecast demand in its first year of operation.
364,191 trips have been taken on the Transdev / Mana Newlands operated service since take-off on 1 July 2022 – 128% of the number expected.
Greater Wellington Regional Council joined Transdev at our Mana depot today to mark the first anniversary of the all electric AX bus service.
The 10 electric buses in the AX fleet run an express service every 10-20 minutes between Wellington train station and the airport seven days a week, with just five stops along the way.
Patronage has increased each month – peaking in March with 33,889 passengers compared to initial forecasts of 15,000 passengers a month.
Transdev’s Mana Newlands Chief Executive Craig Chin said he was pleased Wellingtonians had embraced the Airport service.
You’ve got a new fleet of buses that are cleaner, environmentally friendly, more regular, more convenient, and cost less to the airport. And a friendly team of professional drivers, dedicated to connecting with the people they serve.
The AX is proving a popular clean and green model for sustainable transport.
Services like this are part of Transdev’s mission to decarbonise its operations, with global commitments to reach 3000 zero-emission vehicles by year’s end.
Craig Chin, Transdev’s Mana Newlands Chief Executive
The AX buses are housed in Wellington’s first fully electric depot at the Airport with overnight bus changing, driver amenities and vehicle wash-down facilities.
Travel time from Wellington Station to the Wellington International Airport is about 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
For more information about the Airport Express timetables and stops, visit: Metlink.org.nz/airport-express.
