Milestone for future Metlink bus service contracts and continuity

Greater Wellington has today released the Request for Tender (RFT) for the first tranche of future Metlink bus service contracts via the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) – a milestone in delivering a more stable, carefully managed transition of bus services from 2028.

Public Transport Committee Chair Ros Connelly says the new procurement approach reflects lessons learned from the 2018 transition, and is designed to provide certainty for passengers, operators and drivers, while supporting reliable, sustainable public transport in the region.

“Today’s milestone is another carefully planned stop on our journey towards the next generation of bus operator contracts,” Cr Connelly says.  

“Our goal is a smooth transition, minimising the changes bus passengers will experience to services, timetables or operators.”   

Unlike previous procurement rounds, the new approach is phased in tranches, with carefully considered requirements that reflect Greater Wellington’s priorities.

 “We’ve learned from the ‘Bustastrophe’, and to prevent another, we’re taking more time and greater care with our new approach to procurement, which also reflects our commitment to improving conditions for drivers,” says Deputy Committee Chair Tom James.

“This isn’t just important for their wellbeing; it helps reduce turnover and the risk of cancellations from driver shortages.”

The RFT is a competitive process where potential operators set out their bids for delivery of Metlink services under future contracts. It forms part of the wider procurement programme that will underpin the region’s bus network for a decade from 2028.

Key improvements compared with 2018 include a phased tender programme rolled out over three tranches rather than large scale change all at once, clearer performance and readiness expectations in contracts, stronger workforce standards and engagement, including early union involvement, and greater opportunities for local, Māori, Pasifika and smaller operators. 

Metlink group manager Samantha Gain says the new procurement programme is about ensuring confidence and stability across the bus network. 

“We’re preparing for the future by learning from the past. Our new approach gives operators time to invest properly, drivers more certainty, and ultimately provides passengers with greater reliability when the new contracts come into effect.”

The release of the RFT does not affect current drivers or employment arrangements, and existing operators remain in place.  

“Maintaining workforce stability is essential,” says procurement Programme Director Kevin Forward. “That’s why employee protections and standards are central to the new contracts, and not an afterthought.  

“The value of this work is in making sure that when changes do arrive from 2028, they are smooth, well planned, and deliver the modern, sustainable bus network our region expects.” 

Greater Wellington will continue to provide updates at key milestones as procurement progresses.