Students around regional NSW and surrounding border towns are in for a quieter and smoother trip to school, with six new zero emission buses (ZEBs) starting their routes today.
The new buses form part of a $25 million Transport for NSW project which will see a series of ZEBs and coaches trialled across regional NSW.
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Students from 37 schools in Deniliquin, Moama, Echuca, Queanbeyan, ACT and surrounding towns will be the first to jump aboard the new buses.
Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins says the 18-month trial is a genuine effort to understand how zero emission buses perform in real-world conditions.
“By testing the technology in the real world we’re paving the way for greener and quieter bus travel in the future, not just in cities but in regional areas as well,” Collins says.
“We are very excited to see that more customers in our regions will soon experience the smooth and quiet ride these electric buses provide, and we look forward to hearing their feedback.”
Three buses, supplied by Nexport, will be trialled in the Deniliquin/Moama area and operated by the Dyson Group.
NSW schools that will be serviced by the new buses are Moama Anglican Grammar, Moama Public, Deniliquin High, Deniliquin North Public, Edward Public, Deniliquin South Public, St Michael’s Parish, Mayrung Public, Conargo Public and Mathoura Public.
Two schools located in Echuca in northern Victoria, St Mary’s Primary and Twin Rivers Primary, will also be serviced by the ZEBs.
Dyson’s CEO Andrew Jakab says the trial is a positive step towards their goal of reducing emissions in regional communities.
“Our collaboration with Transport for NSW on this Zero Emission Bus trial reflects Dyson’s dedication to a decarbonised future in NSW,” he says.
“We are eager to see how these buses perform in the communities of Deniliquin and Moama and demonstrate the viability of zero emission buses in a regional setting.”
Another three buses, supplied by VDI Australia, will be trialled around the Queanbeyan/ACT area and operated by ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC).
Schools that will be serviced by the new ZEBs are Queanbeyan Public, Bungendore Public, Karabar High, Queanbeyan High, Queanbeyan South Public, Queanbeyan West Public, Sutton Public and St Gregory’s Primary.
In the ACT, students from Calwell High, Covenant Christian, Holy Family Primary, St Mary MacKillop College, St Benedict’s Primary, St Clare’s College, St Francis of Assisi Primary, will also get the chance to ride the new vehicles.
CDC regional Australia division general manager for NSW Andrew Fogg says the company is thrilled to see Phase 2 of the Zero Emission Bus trial take off in Queanbeyan.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for CDC to explore how these innovative buses can shape the future of sustainable transport, especially in our regional communities,” Fogg says.
“We’re testing everything from battery life to comfort for our customers.
“We’re proud to work alongside Transport for NSW on this initiative to pave the way for greener, quieter, and more efficient bus travel for the future.”
The ZEB trials are two of a series being held around regional NSW, in total trialling 12 vehicles. The first two trials started in Armidale and Tweed Heads in May.