Brisbane Airport has joined the electric bus revolution with a new fleet of 11 electric buses to be built and operated by Carbridge.
The deal is worth more than $5 million over five years from 1 July 2017 and will see all 11 buses in operation by February next year.
According to head of parking and transport services at Brisbane Airport, Martin Ryan, the move is part of the company’s sustainability program.
“The roll out of electric buses for our landside transport needs reinforces BAC’s ongoing commitment to a cleaner, greener environment and improved passenger experience,” he said.
“The new fleet will be super quiet and environmentally clean, having reduced noise pollution and zero tail pipe emissions.
“In fact, swapping out our current fleet for electric buses will result in a reduction of 250 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to taking 100 cars off the road.”
Passenger comfort and functionality have not been forgotten with tailored interiors designed specifically for travellers, including plenty of luggage racks, plus three full size double doors making boarding and disembarking more efficient.
“Technology and innovation is also interwoven into the vehicles, with GPS next stop announcements, driver monitoring and real time tracking data, meaning issues can be immediately identified and responded to in real time,” Ryan added.
Carbridge CEO Luke Todd said the electric bus will run 600km on a single charge and is important in strengthening the company’s operations at Brisbane Airport.
“Carbridge is proud to partner with Brisbane Airport to deliver world leading bussing technology for the airport and its patrons and build further upon our long-term relationship with Brisbane Airport which commenced in 2008,” Todd said.
“The Toro electric buses created by Carbridge are powered by BYD battery technology and are built with an aerospace lightweight aluminium bus body.
“The Carbridge Toro is statistically the world’s best electric bus with a driving range of 600 kilometres on a single charge. The buses use kinetic power regeneration technology to produce charge as the buses decelerate. This advanced technology further reduces battery recharging frequency as power generation is created by the buses whilst in motion.
The roll out of Electric Buses is for landside transport operations only at this time.
