Two Australian-made and designed hydrogen buses have been rolled out across Melbourne’s west, as the state government ramps up its transition to a cleaner and more sustainable bus fleet.
The two Victorian-first hydrogen buses operated by Transit Systems Victoria form part of a trial in which six operators plan on rolling out 52 zero emissions buses, alongside the two hydrogen vehicles, across the state.
The two hydrogen buses will service routes across Footscray, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds and Sunshine.
From 2025 onwards, all new buses purchased for Victoria’s public transport system will be zero emission. This trial will provide valuable data on the transition of 4,000 diesel buses, including 2,200 in regional Victoria.
Hydrogen fuel cell buses only emit water vapour at their tailpipe. It is estimated the two buses alone will save around 90 tonnes of emissions annually.
In May, Transit Systems rolled out nine new electric buses built locally by Volgren.