Victoria is set to introduce 50 new Hybrid buses into the CDC Victoria bus fleet in a bid to improve accessibility, support local jobs and reduce the impact on the environment.
All 50 buses are set to feature low floor layouts to improve passenger access and safety and are Euro 6 emission standard, the highest and cleanest level for commercial vehicles worldwide. The Victorian government said the body construction and fit out for new Euro 6 Hybrid buses will be carried out in Dandenong by Volgren securing jobs in Victoria and supporting the local automotive industry to develop new capability and innovation.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the new buses were a massive coup for the state given they use 30 per cent less fuel on average and are significantly quieter than current fleet models.
“We’re continuing to invest in new technologies, new vehicles and better services to improve public transport in Victoria,” she said.
“These 50 new hybrid buses will improve accessibility, secure local jobs and support the environment.”
The new Hybrid buses will be phased into the CDC Victoria bus fleet over the next three years as part of the new contract with the operator. The first bus will enter service in late 2018 with at least 30 new hybrids to be delivered in the next 12 months. All 50 buses will be delivered by 2022.
“This is great news for our local community – this pipeline of work will support our local economy and most importantly local jobs,” Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams said.
Passengers in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs can also look forward to more reliable bus services and train connections with the introduction on 24 June of refreshed timetables on Routes 612, 623, 624, 625, 626 and 630 (to Elwood only). The six bus routes operated by CDC Victoria are used to connect passengers to trains at Glen Iris, Mount Waverly, Oakleigh, Ormond and McKinnon stations.
