Almost 50,000 passengers have caught Wellington Airport Express operated by Transdev’s Mana Newlands Coaches in its first two months of service, nearly 18,000 more than forecast. Ridership figures show 25,613 passengers used the bus route in August, a 5.8 percent increase on July when 24,219 people took the Airport Express in its first month. The route was forecast to be used by 15,983 customers each month in its first year.
Ten, fully electric Airport Express buses commenced service on 1 July, running between Wellington Railway Station and Wellington Airport approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, seven days a week.
Samantha Gain, General Manager of Metlink (Wellington’s Public Transit Authority) said the ridership figures showed Greater Wellington made the right decision to establish the airport route.
The regional council’s bold vision has materialized into a popular, premium, high frequency service that Wellingtonians and visitors to the region are coming to rely on.
The Airport Express offers customers free Wi-Fi, USB chargers and luggage racks, making it a highly convenient, affordable and climate friendly way to get to the airport.
Samantha Gain, General Manager of Metlink
With the vast majority of Airport Express customers previously needing to access the airport by car, the bus service is becoming a major contributor to Greater Wellington’s goal of a 40% increase in public and active transportation modes by 2030.
Mana Newlands Chief Executive Craig Chin said he was pleased customer demand was growing.
It’s great to see people catching the bus and liking the service and we’re proud that we’ve been able to provide more equitable airport transport.
This service is accessible and environmentally friendly and is serving both visitors and workers in and around the airport.
Being a fully-electric service in Wellington also reflects Transdev’s commitment to zero emission fleets around the globe.
My team was focused on providing a great customer experience which was reflected in the positive feedback.
Craig Chin, Mana Newlands Chief Executive
The new bus is on time, warm, clean and gets me into town faster and cheaper than any other option.
One customer
We are wery grateful for the new service into airport. No more long wet and windy walks hauling luggage.
A retiree
Another customer said they, “Had a really great driver on the Airport Express this morning, he was really helpful for all the people unfamiliar with Wellington and took the time to make sure everyone got off in the right place and knew where to go. A great welcome to Wellington.”
For more information about the Airport Express visit: metlink.org.nz/airport-express