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Queensland announces preferred builders of 200 new replacement buses

BREAKING – The Queensland government has appointed preferred manufacturers for the state’s new fleet of rail replacement buses
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The Queensland government has today announced the preferred builders for Queensland’s 200 new rail replacement buses.

The government’s commitment to build 200 rail replacement buses locally has reached another milestone, with Scania and Volvo appointed as the preferred manufacturers.

Following a rigorous independent procurement process, the Queensland government will invest an initial $133.8 million to build these buses locally through the two major manufacturers while also funding local manufacturing jobs, skills and training.

The 165 Volvo Euro 6 chassis will include a Volgren body, while the 35 Scania Euro 6 diesel chassis will feature BusTech Group bodies.

The first bus is expected to be delivered in March 2024, with the full delivery of the 200 buses to occur by the end of 2024.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the 200 new buses will ensure South-East Queensland’s public transport network can continue during track closures on the rail network.

“We are a government that backs Queensland manufacturers and today’s announcement is more evidence of that,” she says.

“This is an investment in Queenslanders and the future of our skilled manufacturing sector.

“We know that when we build here in Queensland, we are supporting local workers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled bus builders.

“Whether it’s trains, or buses, Queensland is the place to build and invest.  I look forward to seeing these new vehicles out on the road.”

Currently, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) works with contracted bus operators to source rail replacement buses during track closures. Now, this new arrangement will mean TMR owns the buses and can deploy them more flexibly across SEQ during track closures.

The 2024 set to see rolling track closures for critical works on the Cross River Rail, these buses will ensure that commuter impacts are minimised, with the Queensland-built buses to ensure everyone has access, including those in a wheelchair and people travelling with luggage or prams.

“The big winners here are our local manufacturers and local workers who will build buses in Queensland, for Queenslanders, which will ultimately benefit our public transport users,” Queensland TMR minister Mark Bailey says.

“Queensland’s diverse economy is something we are proud of and investments like this into local jobs and transport infrastructure can only mean one thing – a better connected and mobile population.

“These buses will play an important role in keeping South East Queenslanders moving during the next few years while major projects such as Cross River Rail and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail are integrated into the existing train network.

“Forward planning and anticipating the needs of our travelling public with minimal disruption is at the heart of this huge and significant undertaking by the Queensland government.

“With the procurement process over, it is now time to get on with the job and deliver for Queensland.”

TMR is currently the prioritising of the delivery of infrastructure to support charging capabilities for zero-emissions buses across SEQ depots, remaining committed to all new Translink-contracted buses being a zero-emissions vehicle from 2025.

Once the supporting infrastructure is done at depots, the contract allows for flexibility to turn to procuring electric buses under the contract.

“From trains to buses, the AMWU has campaigned for many years to not only bring manufacturing back home but to also secure a pipeline of work, ensuring good, local jobs for many years to come,” Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) Queensland and Northern Territory branch secretary Rohan Webb says.

“Australian manufacturing workers are some of the best in the world. This announcement is a huge vote of confidence in our local vehicle manufacturing sector and a testament to the Queensland government’s dedication to harnessing the expertise of Australian manufacturing workers.

“This step will not only support approximately 1000 jobs across the vehicle build and the supply chain, but will also enhance our sovereign capability, ensuring that Queenslanders have access to top-quality buses build in Queensland by Queenslanders for Queenslanders.”

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