General News
9 October, 2020
Electric future for Cairns buses
Cairns commuters will enjoy a first-hand glimpse of the future with the Palaszczuk Government partnering with Sunbus to trial five battery electric buses.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the new buses would begin rolling out next year, with each bus able to travel for about 300km for requiring a single charge.
“Under the Palaszczuk Government, Queensland is home to the world’s longest electric super highway – and now Cairns will be home to the future of public transport,” Mr Healy said.
“With this very important first step it’ll mean that by 2030, every new bus being rolled out across Queensland will be a zero-emissions bus.
“We’re building more than $1.45 billion in roads and transport for far north Queensland supporting more than 1,000 jobs, and with the electric bus market continually evolving, I think we’ll potentially see new opportunities for local manufacturers to get involved in this space."
Co-CEO at Sunbus operator Kinetic Adam Begg congratulated the Queensland Government on leading the adoption of sustainable bus technology in Australia.
"This is a fantastic outcome for Queensland passengers, who will be among the first to experience the benefits of cleaner, greener buses with quieter, smoother operation. It will change the way people think about public buses and encourage even more people to use them," Mr Begg said.
“We’ll soon be operating the largest fleet of electric buses in the region and we are passionate about working with the Queensland Government and other proactive governments across Australia and New Zealand looking to embrace innovative new ways to move people.”
Queensland Bus Industry Council Executive Director David Tape said he welcomed the greener bus future and investment in the state's bus industry.
"Queensland's bus industry keeps more than 10,000 people in jobs across the state and makes 125 million trips each year," Mr Tape said.
"Having more electric and greener bus fleets is important as well as ongoing investment and support for our vital industry.”
