WCT 266 & 253 at the Lambton Interchange

Remembering the era when the Lambton Interchange was known affectionately at the “Bull Ring”, Volvo B58 trolleybuses No. 266 of August 1986 and No. 253 of November 1985 are snapped laying over at the Railway Station terminus before it was revamped in 2002.

253 was scapped in July 2008 while 266 met the same fate in June 2009.

 

Situated at the hub of Wellington's transportation centre, the Lambton Interchange forms the vital link between Bus and Rail transport.

In 1999, The Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council were seeking to improve amenities for the commuting public due to the dilapidated nature of the Lambton Quay Terminus precinct. The Council provided a brief with a key point being that “Land transport terminals and gateways should provide residents and visitors with a sense of pride and connection”.

The existing terminus buildings were demolished to integrate the new terminus requirements. A comprehensive urban renewal solution was developed alongside the design to enable the connection of the developed area with the existing city fabric. Critical to the design was the establishment of clear sight lines to and from the bus loading areas forming a logical sense of direction for the commuter.

Glass was used extensively in all concourse and access areas of the Interchange to ensure high levels of natural lighting and increase public safety. All of the access and exit points to the subway were enlarged and covered by the two new Terminal Buildings to accommodate commuters in all weather conditions.

These points now act as natural lanterns to the subway, dramatically increasing the levels of natural light which in turn improves both the safety and well being of the travelling public. The planar roof form of Terminal Building 1reflects this design intent, while creating a passively solar heated space that requires only nominal mechanical ventilation in the summer.

To combat the increased noise transmission due to the high content of glazing and other reflective surfaces in the Terminal Buildings, perforated plywood ceilings were designed. The ceiling panels maintain the clean lines of the structure and materials while decreasing the reverberated noise transmission.

 

The Lambton Interchange opened to the public on Monday, 10 March 2003, and was officially opened on 2 April 2003 by Margaret Shields and Kerry Prendergast.

The Interchange revamp consists of several elements:

- Improvements to the pedestrian subway under Featherston Street.

- Improvements to the railway station forecourt including pedestrian shelters

and improved crossing points on Bunny Street.

- Provision of a relocated bus station building and bus turn round area at

Lambton.

- Improved pedestrian access through to Molesworth and Mulgrave Streets.

- Relocation of bus routes to and from Lambton.

- Shorter pedestrian routes to and from the railway station.

The project was budgeted to cost no more than $10,830,000 and was proposed to be funded through several sources over a number of years. Some elements were directly funded by the Council in the year they were undertaken, eg the pedestrian subway improvement and some are being funded through an eight year service agreement with Wellington City Council, eg the terminal building.

At one point the project was delayed over the issue of Transfund New Zealand’s funding contribution. This unfortunately resulted in a reduction of $500,000 in Transfund’s contribution as part of their contribution was time based. This reduction in funding was overcome by making greater use of Adshel shelters.

Wellington City raised a loan to fund the bus terminal and some of the pedestrian shelters. The financial costs of that loan was covered by a service agreement between the councils.

At the end of the eight years it was envisaged that the Wellington City Council will own the asset debt free.

 

WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT VOLVO B58 BBC 4ELO 2020 TROLLEYBUSES

In 1978 the tender to supply 68 trolleybuses for Wellington City Transport was made by a consortium including Dalhoff & King who would supply B58 chassis.

It is suspected it may have been a surprise to Volvo that these buses were marketed as Volvos. From then on Volvo have had a significant share of the New Zealand coach market and have sold a small but steady number of buses. Dalhoff & King went out of business during the construction of the Wellington trolley buses. Titan Plant Services took over as Volvo distributor in New Zealand.

Problems in construction meant the last did not enter service till August 1986 (No. 268).

 

There was a change of ownership from Wellington City Council Transport Department to Wellington City Transport Ltd on 21/8/92.

Intially there was 33 buses (Nos. 201-233) with Hawke Hunter B40D bodies. Brown Boveri 175hp motors, thyristor chopper and Telma eddy current retarder. There were many problems requiring modifications and some years passed between initial registration of the buses and them being accepted for service.

This was followed by a further 35 buses (Nos. 234-268) with CWI Hunter B40D bodies. Brown Boveri 175hp motors, thyristor chopper and Telma eddy current retarder.

Problems with the first batch were resolved before this batch was built and these buses entered service within a short time of delivery.

Fast forward to 2007 and the Volvo B58 trolleybuses were starting to be broken down to provide front and rear axles [worm drive] and traction motors for the next generation of Designline-built trolleys.

On the last day of revenue service of the Volvo B58 trolleys – 16/11/2009 - there were then only 4 left in service; Nos. 223, 227, 258 and 268. Fortunately NZ Bus donated 223 to Omnibus Society, 268 to the Foxton Trolleybus Museum and 258 to the Tramway Historical Society at Ferrymead Historical Park for preservation. 227 was stored as a supply of spare parts, but eventually scrapped in March 2011. - NZ Omnibus Society notes.

Done