Brisbane’s first fully electric bus route will commence services from June 14, 2021 as part of the Schrinner Council’s vision to enhance and expand sustainable public transport.

Public and Active Transport Chair Ryan Murphy said the trial of four electric buses would be the first of its kind for Brisbane City Council, with world-leading electric bus operator Yutong to deliver the trial.

“On June 14 the first fully-electric, zero tail pipe emission bus will be silently moving passengers throughout the inner-city on the free City Loop service,” Cr Murphy said.

“By the first week of July all four electric buses will be operating, running across the two free City Loop services, route 40 and 50.

“We are a national leader in many regards, including e-mobility and carbon neutrality, and this electric bus trial will keep our city moving forward to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.

“The electric buses will improve air quality in the CBD by producing less pollution as well as delivering an improved experience for passengers.”

Cr Murphy said the buses were designed to complete a full day’s service on a single charge, with a full recharge at the end of the day taking just four hours.

“Taking a trip on an electric bus is a real experience, they move silently and smoothly with all the standard amenities of a diesel bus, like air-conditioning and on-board phone charging,” he said.

“We will also be trialling next-generation bus technology like passenger information displays and automated stop announcements, which is a Brisbane first.

“If you haven’t yet experienced an electric vehicle journey, I encourage you to jump on board and experience this new, modern way of travelling. Even better, the new buses will be servicing our free loops, so the electric experience won’t cost you a cent.”

 BACKGROUND:

  • The free clockwise loop 40 – services11 stops servicing across the city centre
  • The free anti-clockwise loop 50 – services 9 stops across the city centre
  • Council went to market for an electric bus trial in mid-2019 and late 2020 and received interest from eight operators.
  • World-leading electric bus operator Yutong was successful.

Yutong, the world’s largest bus manufacturer, produces over 65,000 diesel and Zero-Emission electric buses annually. It’s also the world’s largest Zero-Emission Bus supplier, with over 125,000 New Energy buses throughout Asia, Europe, Oceania, USA, America’s, New Zealand, and Australia