Buses
Wellington's bus network is at record high levels of passenger trips and reliability, with new bus lanes in place and more on the way.
Wellington had record reliability on buses in 2024, running at over
99%
reliability for all of 2024
Since October 2022, the city has installed bus lanes on Adelaide Rd, Bowen St, Tinakori Rd and Aro St, with more on the way.
In 2024 we had a record of
26.5m
trips on our buses.
Wellington has funded a new bus depot, articulated buses for the number 2 and a new route along the Harbour Quays.
More people are taking the bus than ever before…
Our investment in the network is paying off
Record reliability
In 2024 Metlink buses consistently ran at a reliability of over 99%. That means less ghost buses on your way to work and being able to get to your appointments on time.
Faster journeys with more bus lanes
Across wellington Wellington we’ve installed three bus lanes since October 2022 to speed up your journeys and to ensure your bus arrives on time.
The Adelaide Road, Bowen Street, and Tinakori Street bus lanes are working to improve travel times and reliability across the city.
New bus routes
To build a better network we’ve added a new bus route to help people travel across the city from Strathmore to Wilton via the Hospital, the Central City, and Vic Uni.
Record boardings
More people are choosing to take the bus because it can get them where they need to go, in time, at an affordable price.
Our biggest day ever was the 29th of February 2024, our biggest month ever was March 2024 and the entire year had 3.65% more boardings than pre-Covid (2019).
Buses are moving more people in fewer vehicles
Building for the future
We’re on track to massively improve the reliability and number of buses traveling through our central city. The Harbour Quays bus route will be operational in 2026 and will enable you to get where you need on time
1.
We’re ordering new buses for the number 2 route that will double our capacity on Wellington’s busiest route. The first buses will be arriving in 2026 which means you’ll see less buses driving past full, and more buses stopping to pick you up.
2.
As we transition to an electric fleet we’re ready to start construction of our new bus depot in 2025 so we can charge up our network when our new electric buses arrive in 2026.
3.
We’re working towards a future proofed framework for new bus contracts that will maintain workers’ pay and conditions as well as improving the reliability of busses for you, and the flexibility of the network for the Council.
4.