Seymour will be the first town in Victoria to have an entirely electric local bus fleet as part of the Victorian state government’s $20 million three-year Zero Emissions Bus Trial.
Local bus operator Seymour Passenger Services will trial three electric buses on the town’s existing five bus routes, with the first expected to be operating in Seymour by the end of the year.
Seymour Passenger Services expects the electric buses to transport almost 1,000 passengers each week, with bus routes providing passengers with access to the train station, town centre, Anzac Village Shopping Centre, Seymour Hospital, Puckapunyal Barracks and local schools.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll noted how important this roll out will be for the town of Seymour.
“Seymour will soon be leading the way with cleaner and more sustainable transport options as part of our Zero Emissions Bus Trial,” Carroll said.
“Creating a greener fleet is part of our Bus Plan to develop a more modern and reliable network that will attract more people to the convenience of buses.”
.jpg) |
|
The electric Volvo buses will be important for the states aim to have net-zero emissions by 2050
|
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has recognised how vital this will be for the community.
“In a win for locals, Seymour bus passengers will be the first in the state to benefit from an entirely electric bus fleet – creating a smoother and more comfortable journey.
“We are excited to be a part of the state-wide bus trial and kickstart the push towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
The trial will see Seymour Passenger Services team up with bus manufacturers Volgren and Volvo Group Australia as well as energy providers Siemens, Mondo Power and Evenergi, with the buses set to be charged at the operator’s local depot.
The Victorian government will introduce 41 zero emissions buses to the public network as part of the trial being undertaken by five bus operators.
The trial will provide practical information including how electric buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes. It will give insights into how zero emissions buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability and customer outcomes.