Kinetic brings bendy buses to Wellington’s busiest route

(Image: A CRRC electric articulated vehicle of the type being procured, with Metlink livery digitally added. / GWRC files)

Kinetic New Zealand will introduce electric articulated vehicles (EAVs), commonly known as bendy buses, to Wellington’s Metlink bus network from early 2027.

Five new EAVs will join the fleet to operate on Route 2 between Karori and Courtenay Place, the capital’s busiest bus route, carrying approximately 10,000 passengers each workday.

With 65% more capacity than a standard single-decker bus, the EAVs will boost comfort and reliability for passengers, while supporting the region’s climate goals with fully electric operation.

Kinetic New Zealand’s Managing Director, Calum Haslop says the investment reflects Kinetic’s commitment to working in partnership with Greater Wellington to build a sustainable, world-class bus network.

“Kinetic is proud to be working alongside Greater Wellington to bring these new EAVs to the capital, increasing capacity on the city’s busiest route,” Mr Haslop says.

“This investment reflects our commitment to accelerating decarbonisation across our bus fleet. We have tested depot integration and charging, and we’re preparing our drivers for the new fleet.

“This is another important step in building a sustainable, world-class public transport network for Wellington - a win for Kinetic and Metlink, and our passengers.”

Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says bendy buses are the best way to keep up with Wellington’s growing demand for public transport.

“Bus use in Wellington continues to reach record highs. Route 2 buses provide about 3 million passenger trips annually, a number expected to double over the next 10 years,” Cr Nash says.

“Bendy buses are the way forward. Double-deckers can’t fit through Karori and Seatoun tunnels, and trying to add capacity with standard single-deckers will clog our roads with queues of buses.

“Thanks to support from the road controlling authority, Wellington City Council, we can now install high-capacity bus stops, and Kinetic can acquire the best buses for reducing journey times and protecting the climate.”

Two trials of articulated buses were conducted in 2023 and 2025, testing both infrastructure and diversion routes. With the support of Wellington City Council, new high-capacity bus stops will now be installed between Karori and Courtenay Place to accommodate the vehicles.

The introduction of EAVs builds on Kinetic’s growing zero-emission bus presence in Wellington, adding to the region’s expanding fleet of electric buses.