Forty new buses mean half of all routes now run without diesel.
Forty new electric buses joined Port Aurel’s fleet this week, doubling its size and meaning that half of all routes now run without diesel.
The buses charge overnight at the Northgate depot, where a new solar roof provides about a fifth of the power. Each bus can run for about 280 kilometres on a charge.
Drivers say the new buses are quieter and smoother. The operator says maintenance costs have fallen by a third on the electric routes.
Councillors voted 27 to 22 in favour after a six-hour debate, ending two years of argument over the future of the waterfront.
Two new cranes have cut the time a ship spends at the quay by almost a third.
About 120 researchers will work at the centre, which opens its doors to the public next month.
Sandbags and pumps are being moved to towns along the coast.
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