NZ Transit Buzz

Te Huia - what comes next? Te Huia, the regional train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been given a one-year life extension. But it needs more bums on seats to ensure it becomes permanent. Read on for more.

#TrainNews: Te Huia, the regional train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been given a one-year life extension. But it needs more bums on seats to ensure it becomes permanent.

By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures in Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/te-huia-wh...

KiwiRail shares 'major progress' at new train stations KiwiRail has shared an update on three new train stations being built between Drury and Paerata in the North Island of New Zealand.

#StationNews: KiwiRail shared an update on three new train stations being built between Drury and Paerata.

Test trains stopped at each platform for the first time to check the clearances between the trains and the new infrastructure.

Via Rail Express: www.railexpress.com.au/kiwirail-sha...

The booking system is expected to go live in early April, with details on pickup hubs, departure times, and the booking process to be published shortly.

Fares will be Early bird $4.80pp and Standard $6.00pp return.

MORE: metro.co.nz/eventdirect

#TransportNews: Metro is gearing up to launch its Event Direct shuttle bus service.

Event Direct is a pre-booked shuttle bus to help customers travel to and from major events at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha from 11 different locations around Christchurch.

#RailNews: Auckland Transport has shared a timelapse video showing the post-CRL East-West line in operation between Manukau and Swanson during a recent test run.

The Hidden Details of AT's CRL Timetable Test - Greater Auckland A close look at the CRL timetable Auckland Transport tested in January reveals some useful insights – and some concerning details for passengers.

#TrainNews: Auckland Transport tested their planned City Rail Link timetable in January, and it wasn’t a success. We know they plan to make some changes before their next test run in April.

Via @greaterauckland.bsky.social: www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2026/03/10/t...

#BusNews: NZ Transit Buzz has spotted several Kinetic buses with Auckland Transport’s ‘Let the bus go first’ stickers applied to the back of the bus.

It is not clear if these will be issued to all operators.

NZTA is consulting on making giving way to buses exiting stops a requirement.

#TransportNews: Palmerston North’s fully electric bus network continues to show signs of success, with patronage growing 69.4% since it was launched.

MORE: www.horizons.govt.nz/news/palmy-b...

The three contract units covering the Auckland Isthmus commence on 11 July 2027, with a fully-electric fleet to be used from day one. These three units have a contract length of 11 years.

Kinetic will begin operating the first of these units (covering East Auckland connector bus services and frequent route 35) on 6 December 2026.

The services will be initially operated by diesel buses with a pathway towards electrification over the 8.6-year contract.

The contract will see Kinetic introducing a fully-electric fleet in mid-2027 to serve 23 different bus routes across the Auckland Isthmus, including the 24B/24R, 25B/25L, 65, 66, 67A/67B, 68 and 68.

The new double-decker buses will be built using aerospace-grade aluminium technology.

#BusNews: Auckland Transport is announcing the award of a $755 million bus services contract to Kinetic.

Services that will connect Auckland’s Eastern suburbs with the Eastern Busway and serve suburbs like Flatbush and East Tāmaki are also included in the contract announced.

#BusNews: Auckland Transport have confirmed there will be some cancellations on Routes 32, 36, 38, 309 and 311 due to bus compliance issues.

NZ Transit Buzz understands the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team have targeted multiple operators, ordering unsafe buses off the road.

#BusNews: @YT_JoshTransit on X has shared images of the Wellesley Street Bus Improvements project.

Recent additions include: Glass panes, PIDs and design installations.

#BusNews: @yt_joshtransit on X has shared an image of a recently installed Driver Safety Screen onboard Kinetic Group's Auckland batch of NB5800 CRRC eT12 MAXs.

This is a part of a wider regional rollout of driver safety screens to keep Auckland Bus Drivers safe while working.

#BusNews: The Otago Regional Council has confirmed that it will not lead the development of an electric bus charging depot in Queenstown.

MORE: www.orc.govt.nz/your-council...

#RailNews: KiwiRail Director Scott O’Donnell has decided to depart the KiwiRail Board as a new venture will require him to spend more time in Australia, Chair Suzanne Tindal announced on Friday.

Ferry Holdings 30% over annual budget six months in Ferry Holdings tracked above its annual budget by $1.9 million in its first six months, though the Crown company says this is because project issues have been r...

#FerryNews: Ferry Holdings tracked above its annual budget by $1.9 million in its first six months, though the Crown company says this is because project issues have been resolved earlier than anticipated.

Via BusinessDesk: businessdesk.co.nz/article/infr...

#BusNews: Auckland Councillor Richard Hills has shared that AT have added an additional 933 and 94 service in the mornings.

AT also swapped to a double-decker on the 97R instead of a single and AT have slightly changed the timing of the 014 following capacity complaints.

Inside this edition: New Auckland ferries go on sea trials, Metro welcomes new electric double-decker bus into service and the Hokianga Link gets a temporary operator.

Read now: nztransitbuzz.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

'Sitting thigh-to-thigh': Why Whanganui's taxi-buses will not return 'A Toyota HiAce is a great vehicle for your family, band or church group.'

#BusNews: Whanganui’s leading public transport advocate says replacing buses with vans means higher costs and less comfort.

Via NZ Herald: www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-ch...

Big bill for rail link: Mayor backs 7.9% rates hike despite cost pressures Public consultation on the annual plan and rates rise closes on March 29.

#RailNews: Aucklanders are being asked to have their say on this year’s annual plan, which comes with a 7.9% rates increase to fund the running costs of the City Rail Link.

Via NZ Herald: www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/...

#RailNews: KiwiRail has shared photos of the completed ocean‑themed mural at Maungawhau Station.

The mural was painted by Jessica Rukea, RVST and Joey Plutoski during the summer rail shutdown.

#LocomotiveNews: Lumsden Heritage Trust has taken delivery of one of the Baguley-Drewry locomotives.

The other locomotive will go on display at the Tuatupere Railway Station on Thursday.

The locomotives worked in the # 2 Tunnel development in Manapouri.

A new locomotive (the remains of Andrew Barclay 1402, a West Coast bush engine), arrived in December 2025 and has now been moved under a cover in the OBR compound for eventual restoration.

#RailNews: The Ocean Beach Railway have moved wagon Ea 3559 (Ex carriage A1002) from the Ben’s Meadow siding to the carriage shed yard to recover the double slip, which will be dismantled for parts.

Volunteers will also remove the rotten timber decking from the wagon.

#BusNews: Auckland Transport has shared a timelapse and several facts about the nearly completed Tī Rākau Bridge.

*Four cranes were involved
*2,300m³ of concrete poured
*20 metre deep foundations
*1 month until complete

#BusNews: Terramotive have recently delivered a Yutong C10 to the team at No.8 Tours.

The new coach features:
*Reclining seats
*Extra leg room
*USB charging ports
*Upgraded safety features

A CRL defeat from the jaws of victory? - Greater Auckland The opening of City Rail Link later this should be a momentous occasion for Auckland and as we’ve highlighted many times before, one that should help transform Auckland. But increasingly we’re worried...

#CRLNews: The opening of CRL later this year should be a momentous occasion for Auckland.

But increasingly we’re worried that Auckland Transport are about to clutch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Via @GreaterAKL: www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2026/03/05/a...

Peak-hour buses fill up fast on Fitzherbert Ave Space on Horizons’ buses to Massey University is at a premium during the weekday commuter rush.

#BusNews: Buses running up and down Fitzherbert Ave in Palmerston North have become so popular that they cannot stop for everyone waiting to catch them.

Via The Post: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3609...