It’s electrifying: New buses for Redlands spark zero-emission overhaul
Redland City is to receive the first of 17 new electric powered buses from next month, the start of a transition to make all new additions to Brisbane’s Transdev urban fleet zero-emission within two years.
Queensland's buses are set for an overhaul to prepare for a zero-emission future. (Photo: AAP Image/Regi Varghese)
At least one electric bus with the capacity to carry 43 passengers will service the eastern bayside region next month, with a further 16 to be progressively added, according to Transport Minister Mark Bailey.
Bailey has promised that from 2025 all new buses on the South East Queensland urban network will be zero-emissions buses, while regional implementation will begin between 2025 and 2030.
The buses are being built locally at Volgren’s Eagle Farm manufacturing facility on Brisbane’s northside.
Transdev Queensland managing director Mark McKenzie said he was proud to be working with the Queensland Government and suppliers to deliver a greener bus fleet.
“These new buses are quieter and fully featured vehicles which I hope our Redlands customers will enjoy,” McKenzie said.
“Major depot work is underway now including cabling, utilities and new vehicle chargers to set us up for our electric and hydrogen-based future.
“This is also about upskilling our local workforce in this renewable energy space with technical skills that will be transferrable to other industries.”
Member for Capalaba Don Brown said the 17 new buses would mean about one-fifth of Transdev’s fleet would be zero-emissions vehicles.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing our new electric buses, made locally and powered by local renewables, hitting the streets of Capalaba,” Brown said.
