In focus | busways e-bus trial

COFFS HARBOUR E-BUS TRIAL BEGINS

Coffs Harbour locals have been getting the chance to experience zeroemissions bus rides thanks to Busways’ trial of a Yutong E12 along school and route services, recently.

As the first electric bus on the roads of the NSW midnorth coast city, the aim is to test the vehicle and charging technology in a regional environment, Busways explains.

The electric bus is fitted with 374kW/h battery capacity, giving it a range of up to 400km on a single charge under current conditions in Coffs Harbour.

The bus provides lower energy consumption resulting in a quieter, smoother experience for customers and better air quality for the community, Busways adds.

The Yutong E12 Series incorporates advanced technologies, including regenerative braking, which extends the vehicle’s driving range, and fast charging in three hours, Yutong explains.

It’s also equipped with a wheelchair ramp and dual wheelchair areas with back stop for passenger safety in its ultra-low-floor design.

“Electric buses are our future and we’re pleased to be trialling the first electric bus on the north coast,” Busways’ managing director Byron Rowe said.

“There’s a lot to do to reach a fully electric fleet such as innovative policy making, joint planning, infrastructure requirements, and industry engagement, such as trials like this one.”

FLEET STARTEGY

Minister for regional transport and roads Paul Toole says the NSW government was committed to transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet as part of its strategy to make public transport more sustainable.

“The launch of this trial is exciting because its outcomes will help shape how we move in and around the regions into the future,” Minister Toole said.

“Trials like these help us learn more about what fit electric buses could have in the regions, particularly where longer distance routes are more common than in metro areas, as well as how to factor in charging times.

“Feedback from operators like Busways on their experience is critical to landing the right technological solutions for the regions,” he explained.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh says it was exciting to see Coffs as a key testing ground for new technology.

“Only last July, Coffs Harbour was one of just three regional centres in the state to trial new technology that real-time tracked the arrival of a bus, so to now be trialling the fi rst electric bus on the North Coast is just another exciting initiative for our city,” Singh said.

“We’re going to see the electric bus operate on several different routes and school services Monday to Friday, providing many Busways drivers with important electric bus education.

“The trial will also help inform us of the environmental and fi nancial benefi ts of electric buses, as well as validate asset maintenance requirements and staff training needed to carry an electric fl eet in the years to come.”

ABOUT BUSWAYS

Busways is an Australian owned and operated company with more than 78 years’ experience in the transport industry, operating services across NSW and SA including Western Sydney, Central Coast, the Mid-North Coast and Adelaide’s outer-south network, it states.

The company operates a fl eet of 890 buses nationwide, including 277 on the NSW Mid-north coast and it says 26 million passengers travel on a Busways journey every year.

The company began as a single-person operation and has grown into a transport,tion business with a team in excess of 1.756 people across 18 depots, it explains.

It provides school and route bus services, as well as expertise in transport operations, scheduling, asset management, marketing and communications and customer experience, it says.

The launch of this trial is exciting because its outcomes will help shape how we move in and around the regions into the future.

TRANSPORT FACTS

Busways states according to a submission made by the Electric Vehicle Council in 2019:

In NSW, transport greenhouse gas emissions comprised 21 per cent of total emissions in 2016/17 studies found, making it the second largest source of emissions in the state.

Road transport accounts for 85 per cent of transport emissions

Electric buses do not produce tailpipe emissions.

Above:

The E12 is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and dual wheelchair areas with back stop for passenger safety in its ultra-lowfl oor design.

Opposite:

This is the fi rst trial of an electric bus to take place on NSW’s north coast.

2021 BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW - WIN BIG!

The Ultimate VIP Experience Package is up for grabs at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Don’t think for a moment that anything is being taken for granted with preparations for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show. No stone is being left unturned to ensure that visitors to the Sunshine State have a healthy and safe experience.

But if there’s anywhere you would want to be when events kick back into life, it is in Brisbane.

So, you already know what the truck show is all about? You might have joined us for the past show as we spread our wings across into the parklands for what is now known as the South Bank Truck Festival. The truck and trailer display - in amongst all the restaurant and bars - made for an exceptional atmosphere. This year everything is ramping up further with more live, free entertainment and more vehicles, too.

You have also probably already heard that heavy equipment and machinery are back. The Civil

Construction Field Days are just a free shuttle away, just down the river at

Hamilton Northshore.

Hopefully, you realise that your ticket into the truck show will also get you into the fi eld days, and vice versa? Result!

Did you also know that the NRL

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It does not end there. Do you like the ponies? The TAB Doomben 10,000 is being run on Saturday

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ULTIMATE VIP PACKAGE

Our major promotion partner Morris Finance has put together the most amazing package of prizes for one lucky attendee to the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show.

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While you are there you will be treated to the inner sanctum experience overlooking the Cats’ warm-up area.

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Above:

Book your ticket now and be in for a chance to win the Ultimate VIP Experience Package.

Right:

Live music/night show: After the success of last year’s expansion into the South Bank it will be back bigger and better with more live music and events.