Wellington's trolley buses 'saved'

Picture / Capital Community Newspapers

A deal has been reached which could save Wellington's trolley buses.

The Wellington Regional Council, along with Land Transport New Zealand and bus operator Stagecoach, have agreed on a plan which will see LTNZ funding 50 per cent of the cost of running the capital's trolley buses and upgrading the overhead wires.

The deal opens the door on a scheme to refurbish the buses, increasing their capacity from 40 to 51 seats.

The overhead wiring upgrade will include new poles, designed to reduce cases of "dewiring" by about half, so improving the efficiency of the service.

The only hurdle now is getting Commerce Commission approval.

Reginal council chairman Ian Buchanan said the Commission had concerns about whether the deal could be classified as a monopoly contract, but the issue was being worked through.

Mr Buchanan said at this stage, there were no plans to expand the network.

- NEWSTALK ZB