Three new Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) are starting on school bus runs around Queanbeyan during Term 4.
It’s part of Transport for NSW’s $25 million project to run a series of trials of zero emission buses and coaches across regional NSW.
Students from 15 schools in NSW and the ACT will be offered a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable journey on buses that emit no harmful exhaust fumes.
Operated by Transport for NSW contracted school bus operator, ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) and supplied by VDI Australia, Queanbeyan will be home to two 57-passenger battery electric bus and one 28-passenger bus.
These will transport hundreds of students to and from school each day during the trial.
Schools that will be serviced by the new ZEBs are Queanbeyan Public, Bungendore Public, Karabar High, Queanbeyan High, Queanbeyan South Public, Queanbeyan West Public, Sutton Public and St Gregory’s Primary.
In the ACT, students from Calwell High, Covenant Christian, Holy Family Primary, St Mary MacKillop College, St Benedict’s Primary, St Clare’s College, St Francis of Assisi Primary, will also get the chance to ride the new vehicles.
Transport’s Coordinator-General Howard Collins said the 18-month trial is a genuine effort to understand how zero emission buses perform in real-world conditions.
“By testing the technology in all environments, we’re paving the way for a greener and quieter future, not just in cities but regional areas as well.
“We are very excited to see more customers in our regions will soon experience the smooth and quiet ride these electric buses provide, and we look forward to hearing their feedback,” he said.
CDC Regional Australia Division General Manager for NSW Andrew Fogg said the company is thrilled to see Phase 2 of the Zero Emission Bus trial take off in Queanbeyan.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for CDC to explore how these innovative buses can shape the future of sustainable transport, especially in our regional communities,” he said.
“We’re testing everything from battery life to comfort for our customers.
“We’re proud to work alongside Transport for NSW on this initiative to pave the way for greener, quieter, and more efficient bus travel for the future” he said.
The ZEB trial starting today in Queanbeyan is one of a series being held around regional NSW, in total trialling 12 vehicles.
The first two trials started in Armidale and Tweed Heads in May.
Other trials starting this school term are at Deniliquin, where three buses will be trialled, and at Narrabri which will have one ZEB. An additional bus is also starting this term on the existing Armidale trial.
The trials will contribute to the transition of the state’s regional bus fleet to zero emissions by 2047.
For more information on the zero-emissions bus trial go to: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses
