BREAKING: Bus operator Transit Systems has purchased the first hydrogen fuel-cell buses to service public transport contracts in Australia, the company has announced.
Sealink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says the two innovative buses – Foton hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles – would likely go into service by mid-year, with sources telling ABC magazine their NSW, Victoria, SA or WA operation are to be confirmed.
“We are proudly setting the global benchmark for exploring and trialling different technologies to find and develop solutions with our key industry partners that suit the dynamic and complex operating conditions within the Australian public transport landscape,” he said.
Transit Systems, which is part of the Sealink Travel group, is dedicated to exploring innovative technologies, with a proud history of running the second-longest hydrogen bus trial in the world, as part of its Transport for London (TfL) operations, it explains.
Feuerherdt says the company was committed to exploring a range of products in the Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) deployment.
“We don’t just have a willingness to adapt, but a desire to lead – and we’re proud to deliver innovative solutions to Australian streets and beyond, which broadcast a range of benefits into manufacturing and other industries,” he said.
“We are procuring and delivering these buses with the expectation and knowledge that future buses will be built here, with our partners at Foton Mobility, part of the Australian-owned True Green Mobility Group,” he added.
DRIVING FORWARD
True Green Mobility Group CEO Luke Todd commended Transit Systems on its vision to work with government partners and deliver sustainable solutions to the market.
“Transit Systems has delivered another first to the Australian public transport sector, and we’re incredibly proud to partner with them and drive innovation and sustainability forward,” Todd stated.
Todd says Foton has more than 700 hydrogen buses manufactured and deployed around the world, leading the way globally with hydrogen-powered buses, and the company was excited to see hydrogen buses on the road in Australia.
“Being leaders in hydrogen development, the buses that will be deployed in Australia are of the highest quality with best-in-class Toyota fuel cells. The buses are extremely quiet, with zero tailpipe emissions,” he said.
Todd adds that they expected to have mass production underway in Australia by early 2022, with the orders being taken now.
POSITIVE EXPERIENCES
Feuerherdt says that both drivers and passengers reported positive experiences with a high level of comfort, as well as extended range capabilities compared to some battery electric options.
“We’re not just proud to bring hydrogen technology to Australia, we’re pleased to add it to our suite of products that demonstrate our understanding, expertise and commitment to a more sustainable public transport solution that suits each network partner and the local operating conditions across the globe,” he said.
Transit Systems currently operates metropolitan bus contracts in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australian and Northern Territory, it confirms.
ABOUT SEALINK
Sealink Travel Group is Australia’s largest integrated land and marine, tourism and public transport service provider with established international operations in London and Singapore, it confirms.
It is one of Australia’s most experienced and diverse multi-modal transport businesses, boasting performance-driven capabilities across ferry, bus and light rail, it states.
Sealink comprises Australian marine and tourism operations and Transit Systems’ domestic and international public bus and light rail transport operations, it says.
The company moves more than 206 million customers per year, has in excess of 8,900 employees and operates approximately 3,500 buses and 116 ferries, it explains.
Photography: courtesy Transit Systems / Foton Mobility