Performance of our network

Metrics for performance

On this page, you will find some key metrics that we use to monitor the performance of our Metlink network. The way we measure performance varies by mode, reflecting the different environments in which buses and trains operate.

Patronage graphs are updated weekly, punctuality and reliability graphs are updated fortnightly, and other metrics are updated and published to this page monthly. A full website update schedule can be found at the bottom of the page.

Bus performance

Bus patronage 

This graph tracks how many people around the region board our buses.

Bus reliability

The bus reliability measure shows the percentage of scheduled services that actually ran as tracked by our RTI and Snapper systems. 

The graphs below track the performance of buses as they provide service on our Metlink network. As this is overall performance, the level of service provided will vary by route.

Bus punctuality

The bus punctuality measure shows the percentage of scheduled services that depart from origin, leaving between one minute early and five minutes late.

Rail performance

Rail patronage 

This graph tracks how many people around the region board our trains. Patronage counts are from snapper only, and do not include cash sales or paper tickets. 

Rail reliability

The rail reliability measure shows the percentage of scheduled services that depart from the origin and key stations no earlier than 30 seconds before the scheduled time, meet the consist size for the scheduled service, and stop at all stations timetabled for the service. 

The graphs below track the performance of trains as they provide service on our Metlink network. As this is overall performance, the level of service provided will vary by line.

Rail punctuality

The rail punctuality measure records the percentage of services arriving at key interchange stations and final destination within five minutes of the scheduled time.

Monthly performance report

Here you can find the monthly reports that we have prepared for the Greater Wellington Regional Council Transport Committee, showing key public transport metrics. We will publish the reports here once they are completed each month.

Bus performance data

The files below contain a series of performance measures for Metlink public bus services on a per route basis, from the week beginning 23 July 2018 through to 29 March 2026. The measures included are:

• Patronage
• Reliability
• Punctuality
• Cancellations
• Cancellation rate
• Seat capacity
• Peak seat capacity
• Fullness
• Peak fullness
• Scheduled trips
• Offpeak patronage percent
• Sighted at first stop

Detailed definitions for each measure are included inside the file.

Files are available with the measures aggregated either weekly or daily, in both Excel files optimised for viewing, and CSV files optimised for analysis.

For documentation of the data types and definitions of each column in the CSV files, see the Readme file:

Network patronage data

In the file below you will find data for bus, rail and ferry:

• Monthly boardings by mode, from July 1999 onwards (updated monthly)
• Annual boardings by mode, peak and off-peak, from 2001/02 onwards 
• Annual passenger kilometres travelled by mode, from 1999/00 onwards 

Update Schedule

Patronage graphs are updated weekly, and reliability & punctuality graphs are updated fortnightly, at the latest by the end of the following working week. Bus Performance spreadsheets are updated every 4 weeks, by 2 weeks after the end of the period. The patronage spreadsheet is updated monthly, due to be uploaded by 4 weeks after the end of the month. Monthly performance reports are updated and published to this page monthly, at the latest by 6 weeks after the end of the month in question. If there is a Public Transport Committee meeting at which the report is due to be presented, it will be uploaded by then – approximately 4-6 weeks after the month end.

All of the above will be uploaded prior to the due date if possible.

The next updates are due on or before:

• Patronage graphs – 17 July 2026
• Reliability graphs – 17 July 2026
• Monthly performance report – 10 July 2026 (May report)
• Network Patronage Data – 28 July 2026 (June patronage)

There is currently an issue preventing the collation of the bus performance data sheets, they will be updated and uploaded once resolved.