Waikato's very first electric bus is taking to the streets today

The new Taupo Connector is set to replace the current diesel vehicle - a mainstay of the Waikato public bus system for years.

Waikato Regional Council says the bus will be cleaner, quieter and emission free, calling it a sign of things to come for the rest of the public transport network.

They say the buses are critical for achieving Waikato's public transport objective to make services net carbon neutral from 2025 to 2050.

Passengers can ride the new service for free during this first week.