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QUEENSLANDS FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC URBAN BUS ROUTE STARTS

YARRABILBA, Queensland, played host to the launch of the state’s first fully electric urban bus route, via a South Brisbane Logan Coaches-run service, it was announced today.

Yarrabilba – a Lendlease “…new generation master-planned community, which will be home to over 45,000 residents on completion,” as it explains – and bus operator Logan Coaches launched the service, marking a new era in public transport for Queensland, the organisations say.

The new Logan Coaches service (the first timetabled, fully electric bus service in Queensland) reflects Lendlease’s commitment to environmental initiatives at Yarrabilba, a leader in sustainable ‘master-planned’ communities, it states.

The Yutong-manufactured E12 bus was unveiled at the Yarrabilba Sales and Information Centre, providing guests with their first ride in the fully air-conditioned 40-seater, which begins official duties on Saturday, 16 November.

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Assistant general manager of Logan Coaches Robbie Harrop said: “The introduction of a state-of-the-art fully electric bus to our fleet represents an important milestone for our company and we are delighted to take a lead in environmentally friendly public transport.”

“We started looking at the technology in late 2018 and would like to acknowledge the ongoing support and input of Lendlease, as well as Yutong for supplying the bus.

“Apart from the environmental benefits, the bus will be cheaper to run. We anticipate the on-road operating cost will be between 75 and 80 per cent less in comparison to an equivalent diesel-powered bus.”

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The bus will operate on a Logan Coaches continuous loop from all Yarrabilba stops along Yarrabilba Drive to Loganlea, Logan Hyperdome and as far as Beenleigh, from 6.15am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday.

Lendlease development director for Yarrabilba Michelle Wooldridge said: “We are immensely proud to be working with Logan Coaches at the forefront of this exciting new technology, which leads the way for other communities throughout Queensland.”

“At Yarrabilba, sustainability is at our core and this Queensland first in fully electric bus transport is just of one of the ways in which we are continuing to set new national benchmarks for environmental excellence.   

“Today our community is taking a significant step forward into the future and we anticipate this initiative will resonate very well with families and commuters of Yarrabilba.’’

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ABOUT YARRABILBA

Yarrabilba is a vibrant master-planned community that has achieved a six-star Green Star Communities rating, the highest grading for sustainable developments in Australia, Lendlease explains.

Among other initiatives, Yarrabilba is also the first master-planned community in Australia to install fast electric vehicle chargers. The Tritium Veefil fast chargers are a technology that reduces charge time from eight hours to just 30 minutes, it’s claimed.

Surrounded by Plunkett Conservation Reserve and on the doorstep of Mt Tamborine, Yarrabilba is positioned between Brisbane’s CBD and the Gold Coast.

Located in the fast-growing Logan corridor, Yarrabilba is already home to more than 8,000 residents and will ultimately boast a population of more than 45,000, it’s claimed.

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ABOUT THE E12

Yutong’s E12 electric bus features 12 batteries, with overnight charging delivering a driving range of up to 380 “noise-free” kilometres, it states.

The vehicle’s zero emissions and ultra-quiet, smoother operation brings a new dimension to the heavy vehicle industry, it’s claimed.

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KEY FACTS:

– The fully battery-powered bus can carry 40 seated passengers and 20 standing and has a driving range of between 350 and 380 kilometres, it’s claimed;

– Several USB ports have been fitted to allow passengers to charge electronic devices;

– The bus is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible with a middle door for additional access;

– Internal and external cameras have been fitted for safety purposes;

– A port at the front of the bus connects to a charging station similar in appearance to a petrol bowser. One charge is sufficient for the vehicle’s 12 batteries to deliver a full day of driving, it’s claimed.

– The absence of a transmission ensures a smooth ride through all speeds, the company states. Under braking, the Yutong bus also delivers a small amount of charge to regenerate the batteries.

Photography: courtesy Lendlease

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