Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today announced that ACTION’s new buses will be the first in the country to meet the strict “Euro 6” emissions standard, which will significantly decrease emissions from ACTION’s bus fleet.

“ACTION will be the first city bus operator in Australia to use these improved, greener buses. It’s a small part of making Canberra a leader in both environmental and health outcomes,” said Mr Rattenbury.

“ACTION is procuring 77 new buses, to be rolled out from May 2014 to mid 2017. They’ll be clean, fuel efficient and most noticeably they produce minimal harmful pollutants. They’ll help keep Canberra’s air clean and reduce pollution.

“The Euro 6 diesel buses produce around 80 per cent fewer ‘oxides of nitrogen’ and 90 per cent fewer ‘diesel particulates’ than the previous Euro 5 engine models.  It’s important we reduce these particular pollutants as they are harmful to people’s health and reduce local air quality.”

Mr Rattenbury said ACTION’s new buses will replace ACTION’s ageing Renaults, some of which are now up to 25 years old.

“The new buses will also be wheelchair accessible, increasing the number of easy access buses in the fleet.

“The engines are provided by the manufacturer Scania Australia. The bodies of the buses will be built in Australia by Custom. The buses will carry 48 seated passengers and 18 standing. The buses have been designed with a focus on passenger comfort and vehicle safety, and are built to withstand 25 years in operation.

“The fleet upgrades are an important part of making public transport a more attractive option for getting around Canberra. These 77 new buses are in addition to the recent purchase of 13 articulated easy access buses,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.

 

Media Release: Shane Rattenbury MLA, 27 November 2013

This page was last updated on 27 November 2013