The NSW government has announced that its $25 million zero-emissions bus trial project is now underway, with students in the Armidale and Tweed regions being greeted on their first day of term two with new battery electric uses.
The start of the school term marks the beginning of the first on-road trials as part of Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) $25 million project to look at how zero-emissions bus technology can be delivered to the regions.
“I was delighted to tour one of the zero-emissions buses at an open day at Armidale Secondary College and see the enthusiasm of the students and drivers who will experience the benefits of these buses on their daily journeys and as part of a cleaner, greener future,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“This is part of the NSW government’s commitment to fully transition the state’s 8000-strong fleet of diesel and gas buses to ZEBs by 2047. As 37 per cent of the state’s fleet is in the regions, it is critical we trial them in all conditions.
“It is estimated that having a fully zero-emissions bus fleet in NSW will reduce carbon emissions by 509,000 tonnes a year, or the equivalent of 5400 return Sydney to Bali flights. “There are also benefits for our economy. The transition to zero emissions technology encourages investment, training and jobs in our regions, particularly in manufacturing, servicing and depot upgrades.”
Armidale and Tweed are the sites of the first two trials, with two electric buses running on Armidale school routes courtesy of Edwards Coaches, while Kinetic is operating two electric buses in the Tweed area.
“We are proud to be part of one of the first Transport for NSW regional ZEB trials and our drivers, who have been fully trained in the technology, are excited to be doing the school runs from term two in such smart, comfortable vehicles,” Edwards Coaches managing director Brad Edwards says.
“Armidale is one of the highest cities in Australia, at around 1000m above sea level. Conducting a trial in this part of the Northern Tablelands will provide important information about vehicle performance in a higher altitude.”
Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says: “We know our passengers love travelling on electric vehicles and each ZEB on the road replaces a diesel one and that has an immediate benefit to the environment, community and passengers.”
“It is important that transport infrastructure and technology meets the needs of passengers today and into the future and we look forward to continuing to share our expertise operating zero-emissions buses here in the beautiful Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.”
At various times throughout the trial, the zero-emissions buses will service 30 schools across Armidale, Uralla and the Tweed.
Narrabri will host one bus, while Queanbeyan and Deniliquin will trial three buses apiece. The second deployment of buses is then set to begin during term four of this year, with details of these trials to be provided later in the year.
The Armidale and Tweed electric buses have been supplied by Yutong distributor VDI Australia, with Armidale having one 57-seat bus and a 24-seat vehicle while Tweed will get two 55-seat buses.
The buses will be prominent in the region, featuring distinctive blue livery and signage.