Five months in, Transport for NSW's trials of Zero Emissions Buses (ZEBs) in regional NSW are being hailed as a success.
The trials of zero emission school buses in Armidale and Tweed Heads have recorded positive results since their roll-out earlier this year.
Dubbed by one student as 'the best bus ride ever', the ZEBs are excelling in all conditions and terrains, attracting positive feedback in a survey of passengers.
During school term two and three, the four buses across Armidale and Tweed Heads have collectively clocked up:
- more than 64,000 kilometres
- more than 2600 hours in charging
- over 25,000 passenger journeys.
At the BusNSW 2024 Member Conference in Sydney today, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison announced the second deployment of Transport for NSW's $25 million regional Zero Emission Bus trials.
More buses will start rolling out from next week with three ZEB school buses going to each of Queanbeyan and Deniliquin and one to Narrabri. There will also be an additional bus starting in Armidale.
The trials will collect data from Zero Emissions Buses and coaches in different environments, terrain, temperatures, and conditions.
Transport for NSW will use that data, along with feedback from passengers, drivers, and operators, to make decisions about the best technology for our regions as we plan for a zero emissions future.
For more information on the zero-emissions bus trial go to: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"I welcome the enthusiastic support and positive feedback from the Armidale and Tweed communities regarding our Zero Emission Bus trials.
"The early trial data shows ZEBs are really living up to their name with zero breakdowns and zero charging issues despite operating in challenging conditions.
"From unsealed roads to steep hilly climbs and temperatures hitting below minus-5 around Armidale - these buses are cutting tailpipe emissions and showing ZEBs have the potential to thrive in regional areas."
Edwards Coaches Managing Director Brad Edwards said:
"Feedback from the drivers and passengers has so far been positive. The trial has provided very promising results showing excellent durability and reliability of these vehicles.
"Participating in this trial has already given us a lot of valuable insights into the capabilities of zero emissions technology."
Martin Hall, Kinetic's Executive General Manager for South-East Queensland and Tweed said:
"Our experience at Kinetic is that wherever ZEBs are introduced the feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive. School children are happy to be enjoying the quiet and smooth ride.
"It has been wonderful to see students learn more about the technology and how sustainable transport will play a such an important role in their futures."
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
"We are early and regular uptakers of renewables, so this is a good fit for our region. We can tell that people are happy and the buses are working well.
"Because it's been a trial, we know it's the start of more good things to come as we get to our renewable targets."
Emily Suvaal MLC, Labor spokesperson for Tweed said:
"The NSW Government remains committed to a greener, more sustainable transport system and with promising results so far, I am confident the next deployment of regional ZEB trials will further highlight their potential wider application."
Peter Primrose MLC, Labor spokesperson for the Northern Tablelands said:
"I am thrilled to see the positive outcomes from the Zero Emission Bus trials. The enthusiastic feedback from students and the community highlights the success of this initiative.
"As we work towards transitioning our regional bus fleet to zero emissions, these trials are crucial in demonstrating the potential of sustainable transport solutions. I look forward to the next phase of trials and the invaluable insights they will provide as we pave the way for a cleaner future in public transport."
