From today, Tasmanians will be able to travel the streets of Launceston on a battery electric bus as part of a two-year trial of zero emissions transport options across Metro’s network.
The buses have an electric motor powered by on-board batteries charged by renewable mains power through special chargers.
Since arriving in Tasmania, the buses have been through their operational induction and are commencing service.
Metro Tasmania has sourced the buses from an Australian company, Custom Denning.
The Australian-made bus is an evolution of a previous model currently in operation in New South Wales and Victoria.
Custom Denning has partnered with Launceston-based Cromarty which has installed the charging infrastructure at Metro’s Launceston depot.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the Rockliff Liberal Government recognises that the transport sector is a significant contributor to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“Anything that we can do to reduce emissions is an important step to take,” he said.
The introduction of the highly-visible buses in Launceston will be followed in mid-2024 with the introduction of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in Hobart for a three-year trial.
Mr Ferguson said it was important that Metro was able to test the two technologies in Tasmania to determine which was better suited to the range of conditions experienced here.
“The trials, which will include customer feedback, will provide Metro with critical operational information,” he said.
“Buses have a useful life of about 20 years.
“Because these are a long-term investment decision, it is important to consider as much relevant information as possible, before making a decision.”
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Roger Jaensch, said the bus trial was an important part of the Government’s work to reduce emissions.
“We have set an ambitious target of net zero emissions, or lower, from 2030,” Mr Jaensch said.
“Transport accounts for some 21 per cent of our state-wide emissions, so trialling zero emissions public transport options is an important part of our journey.
“We look forward to the outcomes of the Zero Emissions Bus Trial, which will provide us with valuable information to inform future investment in our public transport fleet.”
The Tasmanian Liberal Government allocated $6 million for Metro to conduct the battery electric bus trial.
It also approved $11.3 million from the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program to progress a fuel cell electric bus trial.
