As part of the Zero Emissions Bus Trial, bus operator ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) has introduced the first of eight electric buses which will operate on route 601 on weekdays and route 630 on weekends.
These busy routes connect thousands of students and staff at Monash University’s Clayton campus with Huntingdale, Gardenvale and Ormond Stations.
This is complemented by the installation of charging stations at CDC’s Oakleigh depot where these first eight electric buses will be based.
CDC is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the three-year ZEB Trial which will see 52 zero emission buses - 50 electric and two hydrogen - rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.
Data collected will provide practical information such as how zero emission buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes. It will also give insights into how the buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability.
The trial is also fostering vital local industry partnerships – such as with energy providers and manufacturers - that will be needed to achieve the transition across the state.
Almost all of the electric bus bodies in the trial will be built at Volgren’s Dandenong South manufacturing facility in Victoria, supporting local jobs and injecting money into the local economy.
Creating a greener fleet is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers, with the new, greener buses critical to the Labor Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“Tackling emissions in the bus industry is critical to Victoria meeting its new commitment of net zero emissions by 2045 and we have a plan to achieve that by investing in greener technologies and supporting local manufacturing.”
Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“We are providing Oakleigh bus passengers with quieter and more comfortable journeys, as well as driving down pollution and removing noisy diesel buses from our public network for good.”
Quotes attributable to ComfortDelGro Australia CEO Nicholas Yap
“ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) is proud to collaborate with the Victorian Government, along with industry partners Volvo, Volgren, ENGIE, Monash University and TSA Advisory for its Electric Bus trial.
“This trial illustrates the benefits of industry leaders and government working together on the journey towards zero-emissions public transport, and I am excited to see it come to life on the streets of Melbourne.”
Quotes attributable to Monash University COO and Senior Vice-President Mr. Peter Marshall AM
“This trial is an important step towards reducing emissions given transport is the second-largest source of emissions in Victoria.
“The trial, including the advanced charging infrastructure that will be hosted at Monash University, will provide numerous research and education opportunities to help prepare Australia for a future with zero-emissions vehicles, and complements the University’s own commitment to transition our campuses to net zero emissions by 2030.”
Reviewed 15 December 2022