Hybrid Buses to be trialled in Sydney, Australia

Minister for Transport John Robertson today announced two Australian companies have been awarded tenders to build and trial fuel-efficient hybrid buses in Sydney.

Mr Robertson said Bus and Coach International Pty. Ltd. (BCI) and Custom Coaches were awarded the tender to develop prototype EcoBuses for use on Sydney’s bus network.

“Each bus will be equipped with different hybrid technologies, which will be tested comparatively throughout a twelve-month trial in Sydney starting in early 2011,” Mr Robertson said.

“We know that hybrid technology has the potential to reduce our state’s carbon footprint and improve air quality. Sydney Buses alone operate more than 15,000 services every working day with a large portion of buses running on low emissions diesel or compressed natural gas to reduce pollution.

“We’re always looking to explore other technology, which is why we’ve asked the bus-building industry to get involved through this trial. If the trial proves that EcoBuses are economically viable and feasible, they could become part of Sydney’s permanent bus fleet.”

BCI’s prototype uses a “parallel” technology involving a diesel engine and an electric motor that can operate simultaneously or independently, depending on conditions.

The Custom Coaches EcoBus will run on a small diesel generator, which either charges the buses’ electric battery or provides power directly to the electric motor if the battery is full.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Frank Sartor said hybrid buses are already being used in many parts of Europe.

“This trial will help determine their suitability for operating in Sydney conditions,” Mr Sartor said.

“The operators will not just be testing the hybrid fuel systems; they will also be comparing innovative vehicle designs.

“The trial reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to a more ecologically-sustainable future, with $250 million already committed to replacing older buses with more fuel-efficient buses.”