ACT Renewable Energy

ACT Government releases tender for leasing electric buses

Eliza Sayon Jun 4, 2021

2 min read

The ACT Government has released a tender for leasing the territory’s first electric buses, initiating the transition to zero-emission public transport.

The leasing arrangement is said to cover 34 electric buses. Eight zero-emission electric buses will be added to the fleet as a minimum based on the procurement.

Procurement will be assessed based on providers’ ability to deliver buses with enhanced accessibility, lower emissions operations, and associated charging infrastructure.

Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the procurement is an important step forward in the transition towards zero-emission public transport. The ACT Government plans to procure 90 zero-emissions buses, all of which are currently at the market sounding stage.

“These leasing arrangements will ensure we are able to retire the oldest diesel clunkers from our fleet as soon as possible and get on with rolling out smoother, quieter and more comfortable zero-emissions buses,” Minister Steel said.

“This is a transition we want to make as rapidly as possible in light of evolving technology and a growing number of suppliers in the market.”

The procurement is released as three packages so that the offered solutions can incorporate the buses and charging infrastructure. Industries that are interested can bid for certain parts of the procurement depending on their interest and organisational capabilities.

The ACT Government is also encouraging the industry to have a holistic solution that includes the necessary supporting infrastructure for the buses.

“By leasing these buses we can meet the operational needs of our public transport network without purchasing more diesel buses that would remain in the fleet for another 20 years,” Minister Steel said.

“This is an example of the strategic approach we are taking to driving a rapid transition to zero emissions public transport.”

By replacing the old diesel buses, bus and light rail service will be more accessible for Canberrans that use a wheelchair or travelling with prams. This will help boost the accessibility and equity of ACT’s public transport network.

The formal procurement for the buses will commence in the third quarter of 2021 and are expected to join the Transport Canberra fleet later on. The final vehicles will be supplied by 2024.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.