Waikato Regional Council: Managing a Multi-Operator Network in New Zealand
Waikato Regional Council plays a key role in managing public transport in New Zealand’s fourth-largest region. Overseeing services for 4.28 million annual passengers in 2024, the Council manages 39 routes operated by three bus companies and one train operator, serving more than 1,500 stops across Hamilton and other regional towns.
With a contracted fleet of 111 buses, including plans to expand its electric vehicle fleet following the successful introduction of 7 electric buses in 2024, Waikato Regional Council is committed to enhancing public transport efficiency and sustainability across its 25,000-square-kilometre network.
Challenges Before MAIOR
Before November 2021, Waikato Regional Council relied on manual processes for transport planning, including timetables and GTFS feed generation, which had to be outsourced. These outdated methods created several challenges, including:
- Inefficiencies in managing schedule changes.
- Limited flexibility in responding to disruptions.
- Delays in implementing service improvements.
Carol Foothead, Network Planner at Waikato Regional Council
“Before we had MAIOR, it was just a mission. I was doing timetables manually on spreadsheets, and we had to outsource our GTFS feeds. Making any change was really a big challenge.”
Transforming Operations with MAIOR
Since November 2021, Waikato Regional Council has transformed its operations with the MAIOR Suite, a comprehensive solution designed to streamline public transport management. The MAIOR Suite enables the Council to:
- Plan and optimize routes and timetables efficiently.
- Manage vehicle scheduling across multiple depots and vehicle types, considering layover rules.
- Integrate seamlessly with the ticketing system to enhance operational coordination.
- Generate GTFS feeds internally, reducing costs and improving agility.
Key Benefits of the MAIOR Suite
✅ Increased Productivity: Faster and more accurate timetable creation.
✅ Improved Agility: Quick scenario evaluations for changes like new routes or service adjustments.
✅ Data-Driven Decision-Making: Enhanced forecasts for costs, resource allocation, and operational impact.
Carol Foothead, Network Planner at Waikato Regional Council
“Having MAIOR has been of big value for us, and it made my work a lot more productive. I can now put a timetable together really quickly and give others all the information they need. Being able to assess our GTFS gives us more control and means we can do things a lot easier.”
Building a Sustainable Future
Waikato Regional Council’s partnership with MAIOR is not just about efficiency—it’s a step toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. By enabling smarter transport management and integrating electric vehicles, the Council is advancing green mobility initiatives that benefit both passengers and the environment.
Transforming Public Transport for a Sustainable Future in New Zealand
The collaboration between Waikato Regional Council and MAIOR demonstrates how technology can drive innovation and sustainability in public transport. By streamlining operations, reducing inefficiencies, and supporting greener mobility, MAIOR is helping Waikato Regional Council shape the future of public transport in New Zealand.
