Palmy bus use grows 69% in two years

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

Horizons Regional Council manager transport services Mark Read says the growth since the new network launched in March 2024 is very strong.

“The first year of the new network saw patronage grow 41.3% annually with 1 million passenger trips, while the second year has seen 18.3% annual growth to 1.19 million trips. 
 
“The busiest lines are the 101 Airport – Massey, 102 Maxwells Line – Roberts Line, and 105 Milson – Summerhill, with patronage up across all demographics.”
 
Horizons Passenger Transport Committee chair and Palmerston North-based councillor Jono Naylor says the numbers are extremely positive.
 
“Bus use in Palmerston North was decreasing before the changes, while the old buses were outdated. The latest patronage data shows people will use public transport if the services are designed to meet their needs. 

“Providing public transport services people want to use helps to bring in more ticketing revenue, alleviate congestion, reduce emissions and improve air quality. Those are things everyone wants, regardless of if they use public transport or not.”
 
Mr Read says while the network’s birthday was last week, people in the city can enjoy free services this weekend in partnership with New Zealand Rural Games. 
 
“All of our scheduled services in the city, along with Feilding services, will be free on Saturday and Sunday whether you’re attending Rural Games or not. “
 
Mr Read says incoming changes to Whanganui and Fielding bus networks are expected to see public transport use across the Horizons Region continue to grow.
 
“Both Whanganui and Fielding will have more frequent services, especially on weekends, while Feilding’s network will be going fully electric.
 
“The new Whanganui network launches on 17 April – the inaugural World Public Transport Day – while Feilding changes come into effect in July.”
 
For more information about public transport in the Horizons Region, see horizons.govt.nz/buses-transport or follow Connect - Horizons Regional Transport on Instagram and Facebook. 
 
The Palmerston North bus network is serviced by 43 electric buses, the first fully electric bus fleet in the country. One electric bus was already operating in the city before 2024, while 42 new vehicles were added.
 
The Palmerston North network includes the 114 Ashhurst Connector. 

Image: One of the EV buses in Palmerston North.