Bendy buses coming to Wellington in 2027

Electric articulated vehicles (EAVs / bendy buses) are due to join the Metlink bus fleet for the first time in early 2027 after Greater Wellington and bus operator Kinetic agreed to procure five EAVs for Route 2.

With 65% more capacity than standard single-decker buses, the EAVs will work between Karori and Courtenay Place on Wellington’s busiest bus route, used by about 10,000 passengers each workday.

Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says EAVs are the best way to meet forecast demand on Route 2.

“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.”

Kinetic Managing Director Calum Haslop says the EAVs are part of the operator’s commitment to working with partners to decarbonise public transport.

“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.”

Metlink senior manager of assets and infrastructure Hamish Burns says two trials were conducted with articulated buses in 2023 and 2025.

“As well as route infrastructure, we tested common diversions during road closures,” Mr Burns says.

“In partnership with the city council, we’ll now co-fund bus stops that can accommodate one EAV, or two standard single-decker buses between Karori and Courtenay Place.”

For more information, visit: Articulated Buses » Metlink