BREAKING: Canberrans will soon have the opportunity to take a zero-emissions trip around the city with a new Yutong E12 electric bus joining the Transport Canberra fleet, the ACT Government has announced.
The Government says it is doing its bit to reduce emissions in the ACT. Investing in electric public buses is another practical step in the Government’s long-term vision to have a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city for future Canberrans, it states.
In 2020 the ACT will be the first jurisdiction outside of Europe to achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity, it claims. As the ‘climate change capital of Australia’ it says it can, “…do more and our next goal is to achieve zero net emissions for the ACT by 2045.”
As it invests in these new, sustainable technologies the Government is also committed to providing the right training and support to its workforce to enable it to transition its skills and expertise, it explains.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel says transport – including private and public transport – makes up more than 60 per cent of the ACT’s emissions, and it needs to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.
“The Government is committed to transitioning our public transport fleet to zero emissions, reducing air pollution and providing a reliable and comfortable service for users,” Minister Steel said.
“This electric bus will provide us with valuable operation information to guide the preparation of a Transition Plan for [a] zero-emission bus fleet and prepare for the purchase of more electric buses at scale.
“This is a more modern electric bus than those previously trialled in 2017 and has already proved successful in other jurisdictions,” the Minister confirmed.
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THE BUS
The new Yutong electric E12 bus will be based at the Tuggeranong Depot for charging, but will operate all over Canberra, the Government says.
It is estimated that the bus will be able to travel up to 400km before requiring a recharge, it adds.
Currently, the bus can carry 57 people; however, it can be configured to meet Transport Canberra’s operational requirements in terms of range, charging time and increased passenger capacity, it states.
The Government has started work on a Zero-Emission Transition Plan, which will provide a roadmap to make the switch from diesel buses to a zero-emission fleet, it states.
“The Plan we are developing will ensure that we have the required infrastructure, investment and skills to scale up our zero-emissions bus fleet,” Minister Steel said.
Photography: courtesy ACT Government