The Victorian government has responded to the news on Friday that it has placed a pause on all bus orders in the state.
Late last week, ABC revealed that the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) sent an email to Victorian operators on December 24 last year explaining that current bus replacement orders would be “deferred” while the lifespan of current buses on the state’s roads would be extended by up to five years.
ABC reached out to the state government for comment, with a spokesperson saying the plan is still for the state’s diesel public bus fleet to be progressively phased out and replaced by zero-emissions buses from 2025 despite the block placed on orders.
“We’re converting our entire public bus fleet to be quieter and more comfortable for passengers while at the same time slashing emissions,” the spokesperson told ABC.
“We have listened to bus operators and manufacturers over the past three years on our Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan and we will continue to work with them every step of the way to deliver the best outcome for the bus industry and passengers.”
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The spokesperson says a “phased introduction” of zero-emissions buses in Victoria will allow for “the consideration of technology shifts, improvements in battery chemistry and innovations in ZEB design”.
The spokesperson says the extension of existing vehicles’ lifespan by up to five years is “consistent with other jurisdictions” and allows smaller regional operators more time to make the shift. The state government says it will also provide “budgetary support” to extend the life of existing vehicles so that they can safely operate.
When it comes to safety, the spokesperson says all buses remain required to undergo an independent annual safety inspection by a VicRoads licensed bus testers, with defected buses having to stay off the road until the issue is fixed.
The spokesperson says that a vehicle determined to be beyond its safe, physical and economic life will be dealt with on a “case-by-case basis”.
“Road safety continues to be our key priority which is why all buses are required to undergo an independent safety inspection every year so that they are fit to take passengers,” the spokesperson says.
ABC also reached out to the federal government for comment, but they refused to provide one.
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