SkyBus launches Tasmania’s first electric buses into service at Hobart Airport
Tasmania’s first two fully electric buses have officially hit the road today as part of the SkyBus service connecting passengers between Hobart Airport and the city.
The brand-new zero emission vehicles offer visitors landing in Tasmania a ‘green and clean’ welcome and smoother and quieter transport experience.
Hobart Airport spokesperson Gail Wilson said the organisation was thrilled to be part of the introduction of the battery electric bus fleet.
“This is the start of an exciting new phase in passenger transport to and from our facility, so we congratulate SkyBus for undertaking this initiative,” Ms Wilson said.
“Hobart Airport is committed to reducing its carbon where ever possible and this activity helps us achieve this.”
Replacing diesel vehicles and displacing carbon emissions, the electric buses will deliver environmental benefits and help to kick-start plans for transforming public transport for Tasmanians.
The battery electric buses (BEB) are among 70 that SkyBus operator Kinetic have in operation or coming into operation across Australia and New Zealand this year.
Kinetic also operates government-contracted route and school services across the state through Tas Redline and MerseyLink. The initial roll-out of the vehicles on SkyBus will help to determine the broader role of buses in driving net zero emissions targets.
Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards said he was proud to offer Tasmanians and visitors alike clean and green transport options.
“Congratulations to Hobart Airport and the Tasmanian Government for embracing zero emission buses and giving passengers what they want – transport that is better for theenvironment, better for their community and a better customer experience,” Mr Sewards said.
“We are committed to delivering more reliable, safer, cleaner and greener buses for all Tasmanians and investing in our depots, buses and infrastructure assets to ensure we are sustainable and meet the transport needs of future generations.”
This year Kinetic will operate zero emission buses across Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns as the largest owner and operator of battery electric buses in Australasia.
