Technology

THE FUTURE IS CLEAN, GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE
AND IT IS CALLED ZEB (Zero emission buses)

If the state government wishes to promote the Gold Coast as jewel in the crown, shouldn’t we be the smart city with smart technology?

We have the opportunity to be better, to make wiser choices. Light rail tracks are permanent scars on our city. They are immutable and not flexible. ZEBs on the other hand, can commute to wherever there is demand. Zero-emission buses are now a reality in many places around the world including Australia.

BRISBANE METRO BUS VEHICLE

As part of Brisbane Metro, Brisbane City Council will introduce a new fleet of 60 all-electric, high-capacity Metro vehicles. The Metro vehicles will integrate seamlessly into busway operations and share the busway with existing bus services, as part of a better planned network.

Following an extensive tender process, Council has announced world-leading vehicle manufacturer HESS, in partnership with Brisbane-based supplier Volgren, and electric infrastructure experts ABB, to design and build the Brisbane Metro vehicle fleet.

HESS and its project partners will deliver a zero tailpipe emission, battery electric fleet of vehicles with state of-the-art, flash charging infrastructure.

Key features

The Metro vehicles will be an Australian-first, using tried and tested European technology that will help future-proof Brisbane’s public transport network. Each vehicle will be 24.4 metres in length and 2.55 metres wide, with the capacity to carry 150 passengers in comfort and 170 passengers in event mode.

Other key features of the Metro vehicle include:

• zero tailpipe emissions, battery electric operation
• all day electric operation with flash charging in under six minutes at the end of route
• spacious bi-articulated design, providing three large open passenger areas
• three large double doors along the length of the vehicle for quicker boarding
• low-floor design from front to rear, providing a high level of accessibility
• capacity for 150 passengers in comfort and 170 in event mode
• in-built USB charging points and on-board Wi-Fi, to help commuters stay connected
• passenger information displays and next stop audio and visual route information
• separated driver’s cabin
• panoramic rear window, for taking advantage of city views
• interior illuminated ceiling.

The Metro vehicle will also offer close-to-silent operation and provide a smooth, comfortable journey for passengers. 

TRIAL of ev buses in sydney

NSW government is committed to invest in Electric Buses. They haven’t purchased diesel buses since 2019. Transport minister Andrew Constance speaks in parliament spruiking the importance of clean energy helping the carbon emission targets that Australia has committed to.

TRIAL of ev buses in PERTH

Volvo to supply all-electric buses as W.A. agrees to Perth trial on short route. The West Australian government says it will trial four of Volvo’s all-electric buses in 2022, in the first step towards a much-delayed transitioning of Perth’s 900-strong bus fleet away from diesel models and to zero-emissions alternatives.

The electric buses will be used to serve the Joondalup CAT service, a free bus loop that serves the central hub of the Joondalup town centre in Perth’s north, which includes a major shopping centre, the local hospital and a campus for the Edith Cowan University.

UITP International Association of Public Transport REPORT 2021

Highlights from the Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Forum held online by UITP Australia New Zealand, with Premium Sponsor, Transport for NSW and Gold Sponsors, Arup and L.E.K. Consulting, from 1 October to 19 November 2020.

We have an opportunity to emerge as global leaders in the zero emissions technology and sustainable transport space. While in some ways we’re playing catch up to Europe and Asia, we also have an opportunity to leap ahead by investing in the latest technology and learning from the lessons of our peers from countries around the world including China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Norway, the United States and Canada.

Australia
• The New South Wales Government has set a goal of transitioning the State’s fleet of 8,000 buses to
ZEBs by 2030, with more than 50 new electric buses expected to hit the road in 2021 on top of the
existing electric bus fleet. This follows a successful round of trials in recent years.

• Subject to the findings of the market soundings, the ACT Government will undertake a process for the
procurement of ZEBs which will progress through either the release of a Request for Expression of
Interest or direct progression to Request for Proposal depending on which is deemed the most efficient
and appropriate for this procurement activity. The first of the 90 buses are expected to commence
operation in 2021-22 financial year with the remainder delivered no later than 2024.

• The Department of Transport and Main Roads in Queensland has announced all buses purchased by
2030 will be zero emissions. Several electric bus trials have been announced including 10 new electric
buses to be operated in South-East Queensland in 2021.

• The Victorian Government recently announced it has committed $20 million in the 2020/21 budget for a
three-year trial of electric buses.

• The South Australian Government has released their new Climate Change Action Plan (2021-25) which
has promised the transition of its entire public transport fleet to low and zero emissions vehicles
powered by hydrogen and battery-electric technologies.

• The Western Australian Government has announced from early 2022, battery-electric buses will operate
on the Joondalup CAT service, which includes a new high-voltage EV charging system for the bus depot.

Stay tuned for further updates as SOSGC is finalising our studies on alternative modes

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