The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has announced that the State’s public transport system is taking another step towards becoming greener and more energy efficient, with hybrid energy technologies being adopted for 17 new Adelaide Metro buses and more than half of the existing fleet of diesel trains.
DIT said 45 of the State’s 70 diesel rail cars would be upgraded with hybrid energy storage and recovery systems as part of a $10 million initiative to reduce the fleet’s fuel consumption, noise, vibration and diesel emissions.
It said Year 7 students transitioning into public high schools from next year would benefit from a fleet of 17 new hybrid electric buses and three new articulated diesel buses valued at $12 million.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard said the hybrid vehicles were an important step toward a greener public transport system.
“We also want to provide the next generation of school students with a cleaner and greener public transport experience, especially as Year 7 transitions into public high schools from next year,” Mr Wingard said.
Minister for Education, John Gardner said the new fleet of hybrid electric buses would help cater for the increased commuter demand at public high schools.
“It’s fantastic that students making the journey into high school next year will have these new greener, energy-efficient buses to help them on their way,” Mr Gardner said.
Mr Wingard said the first three of the new hybrid buses had already rolled off the production line and were now in service.
He said the remainder of the 20 buses, including the articulated vehicles, were expected to be built by December 2021 and in service with Adelaide Metro in time for the commencement of Term 1, 2022.
