A PAIR OF STRIKINGLY bright-red ‘CAT’ e-buses have hit the streets in Joondalup, north of Perth, as two of an initial first four new Swan Transit-run EVs take part in the city’s trial of electric battery technology, the Western Australia government confirms.
To accommodate the trial, Swan Transit (aka Transit Systems) – part of Kelsian Group Limited – modified its Joondalup bus depot to include high-voltage EV charging, marking a, “…major step forward in sustainable public transport technology,” the government explains.
This high-voltage electric vehicle charging system will allow the Central Area Transit (CAT) electric buses to be recharged at the depot through a combination of the existing grid network and a 100 kilowatt solar power array connected to a large on-site battery storage system, the government explains.
Powered by lithium-ion batteries with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, these particular e-buses are the first of a Volvo-chassis, Volgren light e-bus-bodied quartet being evaluated on a range of factors including: safety, reliability, efficiency, performance, downtime, emissions reductions, life-cycle costs and risks – with its adaptability to Perth’s climate and road network among the primary considerations, the Western Australia government says.
THE DELIVERY
The four e-buses are being delivered under the Public Transport Authority’s existing bus supply contract with Volvo, with the company committed to local production in Western Australia for any further orders should the trial be successful, it highlights.
Two of the four buses are now in operation on the Joondalup CAT route, the PTA confirms, while the other two buses will be delivered to it by mid-2022. At this stage, only the first two electric CAT buses will be used on the Joondalup CAT route, the PTA explains.
As an FYI for non-locals, the Joondalup CAT itself is broken into three routes: Red, Yellow and Blue (just like the CBD CAT is broken into five routes: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and now Purple).
The Joondalup CAT is predominately two routes: Red and Blue (clockwise and anti-clockwise); the Yellow route is an after-hours extension of the Red route during the local university semesters.
The Joondalup CAT is run by Swan Transit/Transit Systems while the new Purple CAT and other CBD routes are run by Transdev, a PTA spokesperson clarifies.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “With an eye-catching bright-red livery it will be hard to miss this new electric bus running passengers across Joondalup.”
“Internally, they look similar to other Transperth buses on the network, but with one significant difference – their battery-electric technology makes them cleaner and greener, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
“We will use this trial to evaluate a wide range of factors into the technology.
“We are keen to supply more of these buses and to make them here in WA,” the minister explained.
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LOCAL JOBS
Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby, said: “We know electrifying the way we travel is going to play a significant role in our state reducing emissions and reaching net-zero by 2050.”
“This is an important goal for our government, so I am really keen to see the outcome of the trial – and how transitioning to greener technology can support local jobs and manufacturing.”
Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton said: “Joondalup is the perfect place for the trial of our first electric CAT bus.”
“I have been campaigning for this trial since 2019 and I am so pleased that from today we will see the first bright-red CAT bus hitting the streets of Joondalup.
“I can’t wait to hear from residents about their thoughts on our new electric buses.”
Incidentally, the day prior (Sunday, February 27), a new ‘Purple’ (route name) CAT bus service commenced for Kings Park, Perth Children’s Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and the University of Western Australia.
AUSTRALIAN FIRST
Transit Systems has extensive global experience in delivering more sustainable transport solutions, including being part of Australia’s largest zero emission bus (ZEB) trials and the subsequent successful rollout of permanent electric fleet services – and, “…we’re proud to work with the PTA to deliver another Australian first,” it explained.
Photography: courtesy Transit Systems + Volvo Bus Australia