Transport Canberra is to kick off its transition to zero emissions public transport with the release of a tender for leasing the Territory’s first electric buses.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said the move would see the highest-emitting Renault buses retired from the fleet and was an important first step towards cutting emissions from public transport.
“These leasing arrangements will ensure we are able to retire the oldest diesel clunkers from our fleet as soon as possible and get on with rolling out smoother, quieter and more comfortable zero emissions buses,” Mr Steel said.
“This is a transition we want to make as rapidly as possible in light of evolving technology and a growing number of suppliers in the market,” he said.
“By leasing these buses, we can meet the operational needs of our public transport network without purchasing more diesel buses that would remain in the fleet for another 20 years.”
Mr Steel said the leasing arrangement would cover a total of 34 buses and procurement would be assessed based on providers’ ability to deliver buses with enhanced accessibility, lower emission operations and associated charging infrastructure.
Mr Steel said the procurement would bring an initial eight zero emission buses into the fleet, with the opportunity for more depending on market capacity.
“Replacing the old buses will also mean that every ACT Government bus and light rail service will be accessible for Canberrans using a wheelchair or travelling with prams which is a great boost for access and equity on our public transport network,” he said.
Mr Steel said the new buses were expected to join the Transport Canberra fleet later this year.
