The first of 60 new electric buses have been welcomed into its Adelaide’s public transport fleet.
Due to hit the road this week, the new electric buses are set to provide commuters with a cleaner, smoother and more sustainable ride.
The first two buses (pictured) are being delivered by supplier, Scania, and are the first of 60 to be progressively rolled out over the coming months, with the entire fleet expected to be operating by mid-2026 in what is a significant step towards achieving a fully decarbonised public transport network in South Australia.
“This is an exciting milestone for our public transport network with the first two electric buses now handed over to the State Government and ready to hit the road,” said Transport Minister, Emily Bourke.
“Not only will this remove tonnes of unwanted carbon from our atmosphere each year, but it will also provide a cleaner and smoother ride for passengers.
“This is a major step forward to achieve our target of net zero by 2050, positioning us as a leader in zero-emission public transport.”
The Government says the new fleet, which will replace ageing diesel buses, will remove more than 4,500 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year, which is the equivalent of powering around 1,500 homes.
While electric buses enhance passenger comfort by reducing noise and pollution, they will also travel on the same routes and terrain as diesel buses. Each vehicle will be able to seat 43 passengers and travel approximately 350 kilometres on a single charge.
“The Department for Infrastructure and Transport and Scania have long been committed to driving the shift towards a sustainable transport solution for route buses in South Australia,” said Scania Manager, Jamie Atkinson.
“When in service, fully electric buses are all but silent in operation 100% of the time, with no tailpipe emissions at all. When powered by electricity produced from renewable sources in South Australia, they deliver public transport that is cleaner and greener than ever.
“This technology is a win for commuters and the environment.”
In preparation for the fleet’s arrival, Morphettville depot is amping up its charging capacity with new charging bays being installed.
As well as being better for the environment, the new buses will also incorporate improved safety features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The software will support drivers in maintaining lane position, controlling speed and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
All 60 electric buses will come fitted with full protective driver security screens. To date, close to 50% of Government-owned buses have been fitted with the polycarbonate full driver security screens as part of a $7.5 million program. All 940 buses are expected to be fitted out by the end of next year.
To help achieve the State Government’s target of zero emission public transport, the Department has engaged two global engineering advisory firms to assist with the development of detailed business cases. This work, being undertaken by Mott MacDonald and WSP, will plan towards the important transition across the metropolitan rail and bus networks.
As of September 2022, procurement of new diesel-only buses ceased, and all new vehicles are now either diesel-electric hybrids or battery electric.
The Adelaide Metro rail network has already partially achieved zero emission, with both the Gawler and Seaford/Flinders rail line being electrified. There are currently 34 electric and 50 hybrid-diesel railcars in operation.
