Business
5 May, 2025
Skyrail adds electric coach
SKYRAIL is taking its green credentials up a notch by adding a 57-seater electric bus in partnership with The CaPTA Group and Tropic Wings to take guests to and from the iconic attraction’s front door.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway general manager Richard Berman-Hardman said with larger seating capacity and streamlined pick up locations from Cairns city, there were several benefits to the switch underpinned by a significant reduction in carbon emissions annually.
“Travelling approximately 140km per day, by replacing a traditional diesel-powered vehicle with a state-of-the-art Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), it will save around 142kg of CO2 emissions daily, which is equivalent to 6.5 trees.
“Beyond the environmental benefits, the electric bus promises to enrich the guest experience. Passengers will enjoy a quieter, smoother ride, free from the noise and vibrations of conventional engines and will arrive knowing they are travelling responsibly.
“We’re excited to offer our guests a truly sustainable rainforest experience.
“By adding an electric bus to our expanding EV fleet, we’re not just reducing our environmental impact, we’re raising the standard for responsible tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area and Tropical North Queensland region – the ecotourism capital of Australia.”
Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson said he believed The CaPTA Group was leading the way in using electric coaches.
“It is partnerships like this, between two of Cairns’ biggest ecotourism operators, that make this region so special,” he said.
“Together, we’re proving that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences go hand in hand.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the LNP Queensland government was committed to ensuring “our state remains a leader in ecotourism, hence we combined the tourism and environment portfolios under one ministry”.
“As a Cairns local, I am incredibly honoured to present Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s new electric bus, delivered by their logistics partner Tropic Wings,” she said.
“It shows what can be done when big players in the tourism sector work together and our government is keen to highlight these sorts of initiatives.”
