On demand bus service extended

Metlink’s on demand bus-hailing service will be extended following a successful trial.

The 12-month trial of the service in Grenada North and Tawa finished on 16 May after completing 40,000 trips.

The trial will now be extended for another year, and the service will be expanded to include Porirua CBD, Greater Wellington Regional Council decided on 22 June.

As the trial continues, Metlink will also assess the viability of extending the service to Aotea and Cannons Creek.

Greater Wellington Transport Chair Thomas Nash is looking forward to the On Demand service becoming available to more passengers.

“Metlink On Demand is an accessible and flexible form of public transport that offers people a convenient, climate conscious alternative to personal vehicles,” Cr Nash says.

“Passenger satisfaction with the service has surpassed our target, averaging 96%. We are delighted that Metlink’s commitment to modern, convenient transport is resonating with communities.”

To use the service, passengers request a vehicle with the Metlink On Demand app.

A wheelchair accessible, 14-seater bus is allocated to the passenger, shared with others whose journeys are suitably similar.

The bus picks up and drops off passengers at approximately 600 locations or ‘virtual stops’, mostly in areas without fixed route services.

A trip rate of $2.50 is paid through the app, making it a familiar – and cheaper – experience for anyone who uses ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Ola.

“Metlink On Demand connects commuters to the rail network, reducing their reliance on cars,” Fiona Abbott, Acting Metlink Group Manager, says.

“It’s also proved popular with parents, children and the elderly; passenger numbers continued to rise throughout the trial, connecting people to schools, shops and social events.

“The extension of the Metlink On Demand trial is a positive step towards reducing our region’s emissions. Greater Wellington is investing in modern transport solutions to ensure a sustainable future.”

Government is considering a bill which proposes to amend the definition of public transport to include on-demand public transport.

This bill would make On Demand eligible for funding through the National Land Transport Fund, supporting Metlink’s ability to establish On Demand services in additional areas.

Passengers can download the Metlink On Demand app for free from their mobile device’s app store, or by visiting metlink.org. nz/ondemand.