Kinetic New Lynn: Electrification strategy powering sustainable transport solutions

Key challenges

Kinetic faced a range of operational, stakeholder, and timeline challenges, including:

• Coordination and management of multiple key stakeholders, including Auckland Transport, Vector, contractors, depot staff, design consultants, and the charger supplier.
• Execution of excavation and installation works for conduits and power cables, while maintaining full operational capacity throughout construction.
• Adherence to a strict project completion deadline with limited flexibility.
• Delays from the power network provider, including late delivery of the transformer, impacting project timelines.

Our approach

TMX implemented a comprehensive, hands-on project management strategy to address the client’s challenges, including:

• End-to-end project management, covering project budgeting, reporting to NZ Bus and partners, tender processes, and oversight of site works to ensure uninterrupted bus operations throughout construction.
• Engagement of a specialist design consultant team to deliver a solution for charging 44 electric buses, including load management systems and supporting software.
• Direct liaison with the power network provider to secure necessary power upgrades and coordinate high-voltage (HV) infrastructure works.
• Management of the contractor tender process for the low-voltage (LV) scope, including supporting the client through contractor negotiations to secure the preferred delivery partner.

The results

• TMX managed all elements of the construction phase on behalf of the client including design, legal negotiations, site meetings, software and charger installation, for the delivery of the largest fully electric bus depot in Australasia.
• 50% of the bus fleet on site were converted to electric as part of phase 1. The project was delivered under budget and on time.
• Bus operations were not impacted during construction.