NEWS
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ORDER OF E-BUSES PLACED TO DATE BUS OPERATOR Transit Systems – part of the Australia’s multi-modal Sealink public transport group – has placed the largest order for electric buses nationwide thus far, with 31 units out of an initial 50 announced by the NSW state government, recently. As part of the NSW Zero Emission strategy, which aims to replace the entire 8,000-bus fleet with electric-powered vehicles by 2030, the Transit Systems allotment of Gemilang-bodied BYD e-chassis buses are set to arrive progressively at their Sydney depots from February 2021, the operator confirms. The order comes following the ongoing and successful electric bus trial with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which has seen the fleet of four zero-emission electric buses rack up more than 300,000 kilometres during 18 months, it states. Group CEO of SeaLink Travel Group Clint Feuerherdt says creating zero-emission public 8
transport solutions is a priority. “We continue to benchmark the commitment of the transport minister in NSW, and the dedication of TfNSW in delivering more sustainable services to the community,” said Feuerherdt. “There is no doubt they are leading the charge when it comes to delivering a zero-emission network,” he added. Feuerherdt says some drivers now prefer operating an electric bus, and customers have really enjoyed riding them. “Some of the compliments we have received include that it was the most comfortable public transport journey they’d ever taken.” “We have also received feedback that indicates customers would be more likely to travel on public transport knowing that it is an electric bus.” The 31 new electric buses will be made by Nexport, BYD and Gemilang Australia.
trial e-bus performance results to date include: • The zero-emission buses have the same general specification
“Some of the compliments we have received include that it was the most comfortable public transport journey they’d ever taken.”
E-BUS PERFORMANCE According to Transit Systems, its
ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au
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