Metlink unveils ambitious emissions plan by ensuring 30% of buses never arrive

Metlink has announced an ambitious new plan to reduce public transport emissions by ensuring up to 30% of scheduled bus services simply never turn up.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption across the Wellington region, with officials pointing out that a bus which does not arrive produces considerably fewer emissions than one which does.

"Every cancelled service represents a bus that isn't burning diesel, wearing out tyres or contributing to congestion," a Metlink spokesperson said.

"When you look at it that way, not running the bus is actually one of the most environmentally responsible things we can do."

The organisation has set an initial target of 30%, although officials say particularly successful routes may achieve considerably higher reductions.

Metlink reported that previously their buses had a 15-20% success rate in not arriving, so this year's plan reflected a bold and ambitious target to do their bit for the environment.

Passengers will still be encouraged to arrive at their bus stop at the scheduled time, as knowing in advance whether a particular service will operate could undermine the programme.

"If passengers knew the bus wasn't coming, they might drive instead," the spokesperson explained.

"It's important they remain at the bus stop for as long as possible."

The initiative has already produced promising results, with some commuters reporting waits of 30 minutes or more.

Lower Hutt resident Sarah Mitchell said she recently waited for two consecutive buses which failed to arrive.

"I suppose I prevented quite a lot of carbon that morning," she said.

"I was 45 minutes late for work, but environmentally I had an excellent commute."

Metlink said passengers should also consider the wider health benefits of the programme, with cancelled services encouraging more people from the Hutt Valley to walk.

Officials are now investigating whether emissions could be reduced further by removing buses from particularly popular routes altogether.

"We've always said public transport has an important role to play in reducing emissions," the spokesperson said.

"We're now discovering it can reduce even more emissions when we don't provide it."