AUSTRALIA
Also in Australia, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) operator Transit Systems has introduced three new double-deckers to increase capacity on some of the city’s busiest routes, whilst in Western Sydney a fleet of locally-produced zero-emission buses is entering service.
Transit Systems NSW Managing Director Jamie Sinclair said the new Volvo double-deck buses would have an immediate and positive impact for passengers, adding around 1,700 extra spaces per day for customers on route T80. “The new double decker buses simply have more capacity, giving passengers peace of mind that they can travel at peak times, on their preferred route,” he told local media.
“Our aim is to enhance the customer service for all passengers, from better on-time running, to safe and reliable services, and these buses help us deliver a more comfortable service where and when extra seats are needed the most.”
The new buses are tri-axle Volvo B8Ls, which can accommodate 85 seated and 21 standing passengers.
Meanwhile, in what it says is a world first, the roll-out of zero emission buses across New South Wales is being supported by a locally developed technology trial in Western Sydney.
The technology, made in partnership with TfNSW, bus operator Busways, Australian software and advisory company Evenergi and Western Sydney energy distributor Endeavour Energy, is designed to optimise the charging of electric buses and reduce strain on the power grid.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the transition to electric buses is powering jobs in industries across NSW. “These modern electric buses require innovative solutions for managing charging and that is being developed right here in NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“This smart charging technology will improve the management of our zero-emission buses, reduce pressure on the power grid and is a tech solution that could shape up to be an exciting export from NSW to the world. The NSW Government’s commitment to transition our fleet of over 8,000 buses to zero-emission technology is supporting local jobs in tech, manufacturing and construction, as well as delivering buses that are better for the environment, offer a smoother ride and are quieter on our roads.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Penrith is not only the first area to benefit from this technology but was also the first to order and receive locally made zero-emission buses: “The Penrith bus depot is operating the first six electric buses that were also made right here in Western Sydney, at the Custom Denning factory in St Marys,” he said. “The bus depot is also committing to a significant upgrade to house its first set of zero-emission buses, which is supporting even more jobs in Penrith.”
