The Victorian Government is set to roll out Australian-made and designed hydrogen buses across Melbourne’s west as part of its transition to a more sustainable bus fleet.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams visited Transit Systems West Footscray bus depot to discuss the operation of two hydrogen buses for service routes across Footscray, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds, and Sunshine.
“Tackling emissions on our public transport network is a key part of Victoria meeting our nation-leading net zero emissions target – and we’re trialling the best technologies to deliver those savings,” Minister Williams said.
“This is an exciting next step in our journey towards a cleaner bus fleet in Victoria as we get on with transforming the state’s public transport network, delivering more services and slashing emissions,” the Minister added.
The delivery of the buses is part of a trial where six operators are rolling out 52 zero-emissions buses and two hydrogen vehicles across Victoria.
The trial data will provide insights into the performance of zero emission buses, evaluating energy usage and charging requirements for various route patterns.
Starting in 2025, Victoria’s public transport system will transition to zero emissions buses, with the trial set to provide valuable data on the transition of 4,000 diesel buses, including 2,200 in regional Victoria.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses only release water vapour from their tailpipe, and the two buses are projected to avoid around 90 tonnes of emissions per year.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are significant and it is vital that we act to decarbonise this sector to help us achieve national leading net zero emissions by 2045,” Minister for Climate Action Lily D’ambrosio said.
Transit Systems will operate hydrogen buses from their West Footscray depot, covering Melbourne, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds, Footscray, and Sunshine routes.
“With the quieter and smoother journeys that come with cleaner technologies like hydrogen and electric, this is another win for the Footscray community where these vehicles will be based,” Member for Footscray Katie Hall added.
