NSW Government partners with Kinetic to introduce zero-emission school buses
With community engagement, infrastructure upgrades, and ambitious sustainability goals, the partnership between the NSW Government and Kinetic sets a promising precedent for sustainable transportation initiatives in regional areas across Australia.
The NSW Government has teamed up with Kinetic, a leading operator of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) in Australasia, to invest in the transition to sustainable public transport.
The government has allocated $25 million towards operating battery electric buses (BEBs) on school routes in the Tweed and Armidale areas. Transport for New South Wales announced the commitment, highlighting the environmental benefits of BEBs.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, explains, saying, “Zero emission buses emit no harmful exhaust fumes, improving air quality."
“In the Tweed, at different times during the trials students from 17 primary and high schools will be able to catch an electric bus,” she said.
The project aligns with the NSW Government's broader vision to transition its fleet of over 8,000 diesel and gas buses to zero-emissions technology by 2047. Community engagement will play a crucial role in the project, with feedback sought on the battery electric buses to ensure alignment with local needs and preferences.
The expansion of Kinetic's presence in northern New South Wales, through the acquisition of local bus companies in Murwillumbah, further indicates Kinetic's commitment to easing the regional transition to sustainable transportation solutions.
Martin Hall, Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for South East Queensland and Tweed, said, "The Tweed Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in the world, and we know the local community cares about sustainability and protecting the local environment."
“We know passengers love travelling on electric vehicles and each ZEB on the road replaces a diesel one, having an immediate benefit to the environment, community and passengers”.
Kinetic's Tweed Heads depot is set to undergo electrification and charging infrastructure enhancements to support the operation of BEBs in the region. This follows the successful electrification of Kinetic’s Currumbin depot on the Gold Coast, which currently powers ten zero-emission buses.
Kinetic's commitment to sustainability extends beyond this partnership, with ambitious goals set for the future. The company aims to achieve a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2035 and gender balance by 2030, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
