We’ve just announced that we are future-proofing Brisbane City Council’s bus fleet, calling for future bus build bidders to provide a long-term plan for transitioning to cleaner power sources.
Making the switch to electric was a natural evolution for Brisbane’s transport network and will ensure the current fleet, which is one of Australia’s largest, could also be one of the most sustainable.
“The world is driving towards an electric future and Brisbane is ready to take the next step towards more sustainable forms of transport, joining the likes of cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam who have already shifted to electric,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Brisbane’s current bus contract will end in 2022, and we’re throwing the door open to welcome plans for zero-emission bus options.
“Electric buses are setting a new transport standard, with zero tailpipe emissions and noise reduction among many of the benefits.
“Now is the time for Brisbane to begin the transition to vehicles with a smaller carbon footprint and as part of the new bus build contract we will ask bidders to provide their plan for transitioning to new power sources.”
Cr Schrinner said the trial of electric buses on the popular City Loop service would provide valuable insight into what the future of transport in Brisbane could look like.
“The first electric bus will be put to the test for a 12-month trial on Brisbane roads before the end of the year, which will help us understand their capabilities and how we can integrate them into our network,” he said.
“Brisbane residents can be proud our city is taking another positive step to cut vehicle pollution. Last year we announced battery-powered electric vehicles will power the Brisbane Metro, cementing our city as a leader in clean and green modern mass transit.
“The fully-electric metro vehicles will save an estimated 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years, not to mention the cost savings on fuel.”
Millions of electric buses are operating in cities around the world, and Australia is starting to make the switch, with Canberra and Sydney also exploring electric buses.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Executive General Manager Consumers Martin Ryan said Brisbane Airport was one of only two airports in Australia operating an electric bus fleet.
“Introducing electric buses was a win for not only the environment, but for passengers. The buses are incredibly quiet and are helping reduce 250 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which equals 100 less cars on roads,” Mr Ryan said.
“The buses also feature innovative technology including GPS next stop announcements, driver monitoring and real time tracking data, which means any issues can be immediately identified and responded to in real time.”
Tenders for the Brisbane City Loop electric bus trial closed in November last year, with the successful tenderer to be announced mid-2020.