A Queensland-first trial has brought two state-of-the-art buses fuelled by local sugarcane to Mackay, all aimed at cutting carbon emissions.
The two bioethanol-fuelled buses are set to become a part of the city’s public transport network for a 12-month trial commencing in late May.
The fuel itself is being produced from locally grown sugarcane.
Mackay Transit Coaches began testing of the buses last week, with services scheduled to start later this month once all checks are complete.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert praised the benefits of the trial, for both employment and the environment.
“Bioethanol is more environmentally-friendly than traditional fuel used on many buses and I’m so pleased that Sarina based Wilmar BioEthanol Australia will be producing the fuel for the trial,” Ms Gilbert said.
“The new buses will hit the road, in their distinctive design, and I encourage everyone to jump on board.”
Ms Gilbert said this was an important project for the future of public transport in this state and an exciting chance for Mackay to play its part in the state’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
The $1.1 million project will build on the Queensland Government’s commitment that every new bus in Southeast Queensland will be zero emission from 2025, with regional implementation to begin between 2025 and 2030.
“This trial has the potential to influence state-wide demand for biofuels as a renewable fuel source for transport,” Ms Gilbert said.
“With Scania’s research indicating these bioethanol buses could reduce carbon by up to 90 per cent compared to traditional fuel, we’ll be watching this trial with excitement over the next 12 months.”
Ms Gilbert thanked Scania, Wilmar, the Department of State Development and BusTech, which built the buses at its Gold Coast facility, for their important roles in the trial.
Mackay Transit Coaches CEO Reagon Forsyth said he couldn’t wait to start using the new buses on the network.
“We’re proud to be part of this project and eager to start giving customers a new experience on the buses,” Mr Forsyth said.
“Together with the Queensland Government, we’re working towards greener public transport in Mackay and this is another step towards that objective.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to play our part in the trial and can’t wait to see how it progresses.”
The trial is being funded by Scania and the Queensland Government.
Two bioethanol buses will operate in Mackay over the next 12 months in the state’s first trial of the technology
Mackay Transit Coaches CEO Reagon Forsyth refuelling one of the new buses
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