Low CO2 emissions bus starts service next week

A new bus that emits almost nil carbon dioxide is a feature of new services being introduced by Environment Waikato next week.

The Pavlovich bus that will operate the new City Express service between the CBD and Te Rapa is of the European Union’s Euro 5 standard, which means it emits almost no CO2.

“A urea-based system on the bus soaks up CO2 that would otherwise be emitted,” said EW’s land transport operations manager Bevan Dale. “Every little bit helps and we are pleased such a bus is being used in Hamilton.”

Other new services starting Monday include another entirely new Direct service and improvements to routes and times west of the Waikato river.

The improvements involve numerous route changes to the following services; Pukete, Dinsdale, Mahoe, Glenview, Frankton, Nawton, Fitzroy, Te Rapa and Bremworth/Templeview.

“The aim of the changes, outlined in the 2007 Regional Passenger Transport Plan, is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and reliability of the Hamilton network,” said Mr Dale.

“These changes will have a positive impact on the running times of some services by decreasing the travel time between destinations. Importantly, the changes are a direct result of what the people of Hamilton have told us they want from their bus service.”

Mr Dale said the bus network will at the same time benefit from two new services – the City Express and Silverdale Direct.

“The limited stops Silverdale Direct will help service the busy Hamilton East, Hillcrest and Silverdale areas during peak times, while City Express will help link shoppers to the CBD and service Te Rapa’s busy shopping and industrial areas.”

For information on the changed routes and timetables and on the two new services visit www.busit.co.nz or phone 0800 4 BUSLINE