ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) companies, CDC Canberra and Forest Coach Lines are doing their part to ensure students in the Southern Tablelands and North West Slopes regions will have a cleaner, greener ride to school.
The two businesses are taking part in a new $25 million trial being delivered by Transport for NSW, examining how zero emission bus technology can be delivered to the regions.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to fully transition the state’s 8000-strong fleet of diesel and gas buses to ZEBs by 2047.
“As 37 per cent of the state’s fleet is in the regions, it is critical we trial them in all conditions,” she said.
“It is estimated that having a fully zero emission bus fleet in NSW will reduce carbon emissions by 509,000 tonnes a year, or the equivalent of 5400 return Sydney to Bali flights.
“There are also benefits for our economy. The transition to zero emissions technology encourages investment, training and jobs in our regions, particularly in manufacturing, servicing and depot upgrades.”
CDC Canberra’s Queanbeyan depot will host three buses and FCL’s Narrabri depot one during the second deployment of the trial during Term 4, 2024, following the trial’s launch in Armidale, Uralla and the Tweed earlier this week.
CDC Regional Australia Division chief executive officer Tony Hopkins said he was thrilled CDC Canberra and Forest Coach Lines were able to take part in the NSW Government trial.
“It’s a practical step towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation, especially considering the unique environmental challenges our regions face compared to metropolitan areas,” he said.
“By participating in trials like this, we can tailor solutions to suit the specific needs and conditions of regional environments, ultimately paving the way for greener and more efficient transit systems outside of urban centres.”
Passengers, drivers, and bus operators will be encouraged to provide feedback during the trials to help with the future roll out of zero emission buses.
