Kinetic is continuing its electric focus with more BEVs being launched in northern Queensland
Public transport operator Kinetic says its large fleet of battery electric buses is continuing to help the Queensland government, with five new electric buses being launched in Cairns.
The battery electric buses (BEB) will run Translink services across the Cairns network and are expected to save as much as 1,000 tonnes of CO2 each across their lifespan while reducing noise pollution around the city.
Their introduction in north Queensland supports the state government’s commitment that every new bus in South East Queensland will be zero emission from 2025, with regional implementation to begin between 2025 and 2030. It also supports Kinetic’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2035.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy says steps towards that target had also been taken following the launch of five Kinetic electric buses on the Sunshine Coast in June and 10 electric buses on the Gold Coast in October.
“We are committed to ensuring the environmental sustainability of the state’s public transport network, so the introduction of these five new electric buses in Cairns is incredibly exciting,” he says.
“They will help lay the foundation for a cleaner, greener network both in the short-term and into the future.
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“We were delighted to see Kinetic’s first electric buses hit the road on the Sunshine Coast earlier this year, with regional Queenslanders now getting their first glimpse as they hit the streets in Cairns.
“Final testing on the buses is complete and they are ready to roll. We’re sure customers in Cairns will enjoy them as much as we will.”
Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says public transport is important social infrastructure and each battery electric bus has an immediate impact in reducing emissions.
“Every electric bus we put on the road replaces a diesel one and that has a positive benefit to the environment, community and passengers,” he says.
“This technology meets the needs of passengers today and into the future and we are delighted to be in the front seat leading this charge.
“Kinetic has rolled out 20 fully electric vehicles across Queensland in 2022 and we are pleased to be supporting Translink and the Queensland government with achieving their zero emission targets.
“We know our passengers love travelling on clean and green buses and we look forward to welcoming the people of Cairns on-board.”