Released 06/09/2016
A 12-month trial of electric buses will be conducted in Canberra with three electric buses being delivered by December 2016, Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris announced today.
“The trial will involve the use of three electric buses on regular routes across the ACTION bus network from January 2017,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The ACT Government is committed to looking at new and innovative ways to improve our public transport system to manage Canberra’s growth, reduce congestion and protect our liveability. The ACT also leads the nation in our commitment to 100% renewable energy and lowering our greenhouse gas emissions.
“We know that by 2020, 60 per cent of the ACT’s emissions will come from our transport sector, which is why this trial is important. It also builds on other sustainable transport initiatives by the ACT Government, including electric cars, electric bikes and hydrogen cars.
“Recent improvements in battery technology mean electric buses are becoming more economical and operationally viable, with obvious benefits for the environment. The buses, supplied by Australian-based company AVAAS Bus Manufacturing, are suited for use on the Transport Canberra bus network as they only require one charge per day.
“The 12-month trial will enable the ACT Government to assess the viability of using electric buses within the Transport Canberra bus network to see if they can progressively replace the existing fleet.
“The coming few months before the trial starts will be used to train ACTION drivers and mechanics about how they work, install charging equipment at bus depots and fit-out the buses with necessary equipment, including MyWay ticketing, CCTV, bike racks and NXTBUS real time information system.
“This trial is just another way the ACT Government is working to improve our public transport system so it has a more modern fleet which is convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable – a genuine alternative to driving,” Minister Fitzharris concluded.
For more information on the trial visit www.transport.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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