Electric bus service enters second month of trial

The trial of an electric bus service in the city is now into its second month.

Red Bus is evaluating the performance of one electric bus before the roll-out of three new ones later this year.     

Named 'Buss Lightyear' after a naming competition, the Tauranga-built vehicle is being monitored via real-time telemetry which includes acceleration, braking, cornering and speed.

It currently operates on the #28 Lyttelton service at peak after-school time.

Passengers experiencing the service for the first time this week, marveled at the quietness and oddity of being on less noisy bus.

One of three electric buses being built for Red Bus is expected to begin service in June, on the #29 airport route.