Kinetic launches first zero-emission buses for resources sector
Australasia’s leading bus operator Kinetic is pioneering sustainable workforce transport solutions for the resources industry with the launch of two battery electric buses into service in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Providing contracted village/town-to-worksite transport for BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) and Anglo American, the fully electric vehicles are among the first zero-emission coaches to operate in Australia’s remote resources-rich regions.
Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for Central Queensland Marcia Shield said the introduction of zero-emission buses marked a progress milestone for the industry.
“The resources sector is arguably the engine room of the Australian economy and there is an industry-wide commitment to delivering better environmental outcomes through the decarbonisation of operations,” Ms Shield said.
“This approach is representative of our clients’ value proposition and initiatives dedicated to their commitment to sustainable mining solutions, with key decarbonisation projects underway.
“Transportation of personnel to remote work sites is an area with immediate opportunity to deliver emissions reductions, although it comes with its inherent and obvious challenges.”
“The unique operating climate, long journeys and relatively new technology has led to significant planning and cooperation with industry to launch these vehicles in a way that logistically makes sense and provides real learnings for broader adoption.”
The three-axle vehicles were procured from BLK Auto with an expected range of approximately 400 kilometres per charge. They are supported by charging units at sites in Moranbah and Middlemount, with an average charging time of eight hours.
Kinetic has a fleet of 239 specialist vehicles providing village/town-to-site and on-site shuttles, airport transfers, and charters supporting resources regions including Gladstone, the Bowen Basin, Mackay, Bundaberg, Perth, Darwin and Olympic Dam.
Ms Shield said the remote locations and significant travel distances presented unique challenges when introducing the new fleet.
“While electric vehicles are becoming more common place for personal use or public transport in urban centres, there are naturally additional requirements within the resources industry,” she said.
“In addition to ensuring adequate range and charging infrastructure is in place to meet the challenging logistics and operating environment, the vehicles must also meet industry safety and compliance standards which is aligned to the requirements of the operations that they service.
“The health and wellbeing of personnel are absolutely critical to the operations of our clients and this is prioritised above all else.
“These two new electric vehicles have been equipped with the same high-quality features as the rest of our resources fleet, including seatbelt alarms, in vehicle monitoring and real-time management of driver fatigue and road conditions.”
While the electric buses are the first to enter Kinetic’s resources bus operations, they are among 250 Kinetic now has introduced to its fleet across Australia and New Zealand. That number will grow to 300 this year as it progresses towards an entirely zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Zero-emission busing is among Kinetic’s key sustainability priorities alongside targets encouraging more women into its workforce and building more inclusive workplaces and services.
Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com