The return of buses to Wellington's Manners Mall is a step closer, after a city council committee voted 11-to-4 on Thursday in favour of the idea.
The move would be part of an $11 million upgrade of Lower Cuba Street linking retail areas and the capital's waterfront.
The cost would be funded by rates and the Government's transport agency.
Council transport adviser Greg Campbell says the next step is further public consultation.
He says work on the project could begin in autumn next year.
