New zero-emission bus trial to begin across regional New South Wales

Credit: Transport for New South Wales

Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) has announced that the NSW Liberal and Nationals government is pushing ahead with a $3 billion commitment to transition its bus and coach fleet to zero-emission technology, with a new trial set to begin across regional New South Wales (NSW).

The Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for bus and coach operators to participate in the $25 million Regional Zero Emission Bus Trials.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said: “The transition of our bus fleet will have widespread benefits including improving air quality, noise reduction, a smoother trip for commuters and creating jobs right across NSW. Hydrogen is one of the many ways forward in the heavy transport sector and this will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs.”

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Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said: “We are about to kick off our first hydrogen bus trial on the Central Coast to better understand how the technology compares to battery electric buses and this trial will determine the most suitable technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities. We’re always looking at new ways to improve our bus network and services across regional NSW. We’ve now delivered more than 3,000 additional bus services under our 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program, making it easier and more reliable for communities to travel to work, school, visit friends and family and get to medical appointments and essential services.”

This news follows TfNSW’s recent announcement that Albury’s residents are set to benefit from a new bus network that will deliver more than 300 extra services, new routes to Albury Airport and station and the city’s first Sunday and public holiday services.