Kinetic supports New South Wales Government with regional zero-emission bus trial
An electric evolution is underway across the Tweed Coast with the New South Wales Government announcing it will partner with Kinetic to introduce two zero emission buses to the region.
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) this week unveiled a $25 million project to operate battery electric buses on school routes in the Tweed and Armidale regions as part of the state’s transition to zero emissions public transport.
The announcement comes as Kinetic, Australasia’s largest operator of zero emission buses, expands its northern New South Wales footprint with the acquisition of Murwillumbah Bus Company, Parsons Bus Company and Singh’s Bus Company in Murwillumbah.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said she was pleased to announce hundreds of students will soon experience a quieter and smoother ride to school as four electric buses are trialled in regional NSW.
“In the Tweed, at different times during the trials students from 17 primary and high schools will be able to catch an electric bus,” she said.
“Zero emission buses emit no harmful exhaust fumes, improving air quality.
“The NSW Government has committed $25 million towards this project and the trials are an important step in our plans to transition the state’s fleet of 8000-plus diesel and gas buses to zero emissions technology by 2047.”
Community feedback will be sought on the battery electric buses with a commencement date to be announced shortly.
The two BEBs will operate from Kinetic’s Tweed Heads depot which will undergo electrification and charging infrastructure upgrades. The site is a short distance from Kinetic’s Currumbin depot which was Australia’s first fully electric bus depot now powering 10 zero-emission buses on the Gold Coast.
Martin Hall, Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for South East Queensland and Tweed said it was exciting to help Transport for NSW drive electric buses into the state’s regional areas.
“The Tweed Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and we know the local community cares about sustainability and protecting the local environment,” he said.
“We know passengers love travelling on electric vehicles and each ZEB on the road replaces a diesel one, having an immediate benefit to the environment, community and passengers.”
“These vehicles will add to 10 electric buses operating across the border on the Gold Coast and will be a welcome complement to our local fleet giving people another reason to choose public transport over personal car travel.”
Zero-emission busing is among Kinetic’s key sustainability priorities including targeting a 100 per cent zero emission bus fleet by 2035 and gender balance by 2030.
Across Australia and New Zealand, Kinetic operates almost 300 zero emission buses powered by 10 electric depots. Globally, through its subsidiary in the UK, Kinetic’s electric bus fleet is expected to grow to 1,000 vehicles this year.
Find out more about Kinetic’s sustainability commitments at wearekinetic.com/sustainability.
Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com