Green light for electric bus trial

Electric buses will hit Noosa’s streets towards the end of 2015 in a six-month trial given the green light by Noosa Council and TransLink.

During the trial, up to three, 10-metre, 29-seater Optare electric buses will replace the conventional diesel 12.5m buses on Noosa’s busy 627 route between Tewantin and Sunshine Beach.

Noosa Mayor Noel Playford said that as a first for Queensland, the electric buses offered a unique and marketable public transport offering for the region.

“These electric buses, in distinct green livery, provide a novel talking point, one that offers potential marketing opportunities and could encourage greater public transport patronage, which, long-term, may assist in reducing congestion,” Cr Playford said.

“Recent advances in battery technology make this innovative transport option well worth investigating further.”

TransLink and Noosa Council worked together on a pre-feasibility study which found electric buses are a cheaper public transport option compared to diesel buses when deployed on short-haul routes. 

Cr Playford said besides the anticipated cost savings and marketing gains, the buses will also deliver environmental benefits.

“They can be recharged with renewable energy and given that they offer reduced emissions, they represent a cleaner, greener alternative to diesel,” he said.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the trial of electric buses is an exciting innovation for public transport in Queensland.

“In a Queensland first, Noosa residents and visitors will be able to jump on board the new electric buses on one of the busiest routes in the area,” Ms Trad said.

“It’s great to see Noosa leading the way in Queensland on greener, more sustainable transport options.

“While TransLink will be collecting and analysing operational data on the performance of these buses, we are also really keen to hear from commuters.

“I encourage all locals to give the electric buses a go during the trial and let us know what you think.”

10 June 2015