Canterbury Regional Council Service Goes Fully Electric

The MyWay by Metro service in Timaru is transitioning to a fully electric fleet following the introduction of ten new electric vehicles. The shift is part of a broader effort by the Canterbury Regional Council to implement practical emissions reductions and meet long-term low-carbon transport objectives.

According to Councillor Joe Davies, the Public Transport Core Service Lead for the Canterbury Regional Council, the addition of these vehicles means the regular MyWay fleet will soon be 100% electric. Two previous vehicles will be kept on standby to serve as spares.

Fleet Composition and Vehicle Specifications

The ten new vehicles consist of two different types of electric transport. Six of the new additions are designated as very small buses (VSBs), which are the first of their kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. The remaining four vehicles are electric minivans that share a similar design to those already operating within the network.

The VSBs provide a significant increase in capacity compared to previous MyWay vehicles. These buses can accommodate up to 13 seated passengers and up to 13 standing passengers, nearly doubling the seating capacity of other vehicles in the fleet.

Each VSB is equipped with a 155kWh battery, providing an expected driving range of approximately 300km per charge. To ensure the vehicles can operate throughout the day, charging is scheduled to take place overnight at the depot.

Accessibility and Service Improvements

Environment Canterbury Public Transport General Manager Stewart Gibbon stated that the new buses will improve accessibility for the community. The VSBs feature step-free boarding and fold-up seats designed to provide better access for prams and wheelchairs.

The transition to an all-electric fleet is expected to result in quieter and zero-emission journeys for passengers, while contributing to a more reliable daily service for the Timaru area.

Transitioning MyWay to a fully electric fleet is a strong example of how regional investment can deliver practical emissions reductions while improving everyday services for our communities. It supports our wider transport and climate objectives and demonstrates the value of planning for long term, low carbon outcomes

Councillor Joe Davies

Operational Implementation

The service is operated in partnership with Ritchies Transport, which the council notes has extensive experience in managing zero-emission fleets. Prior to this expansion, the network already utilized four electric minivans and one VSB.

The remaining VSBs will be integrated into the MyWay network through a gradual rollout process as they are prepared for service.