Metlink unveils new bus route improving access to Wellington CBD and beyond

Credit: Metlink

Metlink, the public transport authority for the Wellington region, has announced significant enhancements to public transport access for residents of Strathmore Park and Wilton. The introduction of bus Route 4 marks a significant milestone in the regional council’s efforts to restore trust in public transport, according to Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter.

Daran Ponter expressed enthusiasm for the additions, stating, “The addition of Route 4 is a really positive step forward after recent difficulties arising from COVID and driver shortages. It’s no secret that trust in public transport has been shaken, but we’ve been working hard to return reliability to the bus network. It’s great we’re now able to add services our passengers have been calling for that decongest our roads and reduce emissions.”

The enhancements include various service improvements across the Wellington region:

• The reinstatement of 54 weekend bus trips previously suspended due to driver shortages
• Extension of Route 20 to Wellington Railway Station
• Boosted Karori bus services with additional morning peak trips on routes 33, 34 and 2
• Addition of Route 35 morning peak trips for Hataitai and Mt Victoria passengers
• Increased peak frequency of Route 26 to every 30 minutes.

These improvements have been made possible through collaborative efforts between bus operators, the government and the regional council, including wage increases for drivers to attract more professionals to the profession. Kinetic, the operator for Route 4, has been particularly proactive in recruiting, hiring over 100 drivers in 2023.

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Ken Pearson, Kinetic’s General Manager of Operations for Wellington, said: “It’s pleasing to expand our services in the capital with a new route that’s long been in demand. Kinetic recognises the importance of reliable public transport to Wellingtonians and we look forward to providing another punctual, high frequency bus route that links the city’s communities.”

Route 4, replacing Route 12, will operate every 15 minutes on weekdays and 30 minutes on weekends, providing residents with increased accessibility and connectivity. In addition, Route 4 will absorb part of Route 22’s service, which will now serve as a weekday shuttle service between Wellington Station and Victoria University, with an hourly service to Johnsonville.

With Route 4 set to commence operations, residents of Strathmore Park, Wilton and surrounding areas can anticipate improved connectivity and convenience in their daily commute.