Bus trips across Sydney are soon to get a lot quieter, as the State Government moves ahead with plans that will see over 8000 ageing diesel and CNG powered buses replaced by new fully electric buses. Transport Minister Andrew Constance is enthusiastically pushing electric buses after a recent “study tour/junket” to Europe.
“Making the switch to an entirely electric bus fleet will deliver huge benefits to the community in terms of reducing air and noise pollution, as well as our incredible drivers,” Mr Constance said.
“As part of this process, we will challenge the industry to begin an ambitious transformation of our bus fleet from particulate emitting diesel to zero-emission buses.
“The experience of other leading European cities demonstrates that a rapid transition to zero-emission buses is possible and I have asked Transport for NSW to work with operators and bus suppliers to develop a plan to transition our fleet as part of the tender process.
“Zero-emission buses are becoming the standard with the significant environmental, health and operational cost benefits being experienced now in cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam. As a truly global city Sydney deserves the same.”
Currently five electric buses are operating from Transit Systems Leichhardt Depot, with a further ten expected to be delivered to State Transit’s Randwick Depot next year. However deliveries will need to speed up if they want to replace all 8000 Sydney buses anytime soon.
Transport NSW Blog 