ELECTRIC BUSES FOR NOOSA?

[ozbob]

ELECTRIC BUSES FOR NOOSA?

News just in that the Noosa Council will pursue the concept of a 'Noosa style' electric bus, or buses, for the Noosa Heads area, and it is proposed that it be free!

Mayor Noel Playford and the Member for Noosa, Glen Elmes, will discuss the issue with Transport Minister Scott Emerson when the three hold a scheduled meeting on 23 July.

Cr Playford has hinted previously that he has been talking to a manufacturer of electric buses wanting to trail them in Australia as a demonstration project.

In a joint media statement today, Cr Playford said:

"Free, electric, Noosa-style buses are also high on the local wish-list with the early stages of an investigation underway.  While it's early days for this concept, you can see why some people are very excited.  The fit for Noosa's national and international reputation is just right."

Cr Playford continued: "There are some big questions ahead about how much the Noosa community is behind the idea of free, electric buses, but the first step is to see whether it's feasible."

Mr Elmes said: "I welcome the Mayor's foresight on this idea which brings a very "Noosa solution" to local public transport needs."

Noosa Council charges a transport surcharge on its rates to fund transport initiatives.

Noosa Council supports duplication of the SCL, even though the works would occur in the neighbouring Sunshine Coast Council area.  Mr Elmes is on the public record, calling for duplication to Gympie.

More information:
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/noosas-electric-bus-gets-traction/2178365/
http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/-/the-wheels-of-progress-turning-at-noosa-council

[Stillwater]

Noosa Council to trial electric bus on Route 627 (Tewantin-Sunshine Beach).

Report and details:

http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40490625/2015-04-07%20Item%202%20-%20Attachment%201%20-%20Pre%20feasibility%20Study%20of%20Electric%20Bus%20Routes.pdf

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Noosa electric bus trial delayed as council considers different supplier with updated technology

Noosa council says the six-month trial of an electric bus service that was due to begin this month has been delayed for almost a year.

Planning and infrastructure director Martin Drydale said the manufacturer would not have the buses ready in time because of technical issues with airconditioning.

A pre-feasibility study found electric buses to be a cheaper public transport option, compared to diesel buses, and they also have reduced carbon emissions.

Mr Drydale said Noosa council was taking the opportunity to look for a different supplier with updated technology.

"We want to revisit the marketplace, see if we can take advantage of any recent developments, things like battery technology and manufacturing development because we know there are some new players in the market, particularly onshore manufacturers," he said.

"We'll then be aiming for a commencement date some time about September or October 2016.

"We're taking a look at what's available as opposed to what was available 12 months ago.

"We see it as a good tourism draw, a way of reducing congestion and parking issues but also the green technology."

[#Metro]

They should look at trolleybuses also. Depends on how the costs and benefits of each stack up.
Battery buses don't need wires, but they pose a waste problem with all the batteries.

[Stillwater]

Noosa Council pulls plug on electric bus trial. Cites failure to meet staged deadlines and complications with meeting Australian Design Standards as reason.

http://bit.ly/2qyBxE5

[ozbob]

http://bit.ly/2qyBxE5

Electric bus trial terminated

The electric bus trial that Noosa Council was hoping to pioneer has come to an end.

The contract to build the electric bus has stalled, according to Mayor Tony Wellington.

"It is with some regret that Council has decided not to continue with the electric bus trial project," he said. "Put simply, the supplier has been unable to meet any of the contractual target dates. We believe that the best option is to pull the plug – to use a pun – and avoid risking ratepayer money on what was becoming an increasingly lengthy and difficult project to bring to fruition.

"Although the supplier provides fast-charge electric buses around the world, it seems that they were having great trouble meeting Australian standards in their design of the bus.

"The good news is that we have only spent around $18,000 to get to this point. That money has been used for consultants, Energex design work and staff time. Council's overall commitment to the trial was half a million dollars. Better that we decide to terminate now and ensure that there is no further risk to ratepayers' money.

"There have been learnings on the risks and opportunities of this trial, which was done in conjunction with TransLink. We have learnt that there are real risks associated with having overseas technology meet our Australian standards. Unfortunately, at the time we contracted the work, there were no viable and proven manufacturers of these fast charge buses in Australia. What's more, the finer details of the overseas bus design had not been tested against Australian standards.

"This isn't the end of electric buses for Noosa. I expect we will see electric buses eventuate as part of our ongoing transport solutions. Smaller, electric shuttle buses are likely to be part of the answer to our congestion problems.

"Hopefully, local manufacturers will see this opportunity and want to catch up with the global trend towards sustainable transport options.

"Noosa Council remains committed to innovation and best practice. At the same time, we closely monitor value-for-money for the ratepayer.

"Our zero emissions strategy is running to schedule, and there are a range of exciting developments rolling out because of that commitment."

30 May 2017

[#Metro]

Regulatory Blockade.

Would be interesting to see what standards specifically were difficult to meet.

Places like Europe have a huge climate variation, from snow and ice to high heat all year round.

Hopefully, Noosa Council will openly publish its findings. It was paid with public money, so whatever was done should be public too.

[SurfRail]

They probably don't comply with Australian Design Rules for a number of reasons not necessarily to do with the fact they are electric.

Bustech tendered for this but lost on cost - however they would have had 2 buses on the road by now.

There was a contract for another company based in Melbourne to supply 3 electric buses to ACTION in Canberra, which also fell over recently because the supplier couldn't meet deadlines.  Again, our friends on the Gold Coast already supplying buses to them could have stepped in.

The only appetite for electric buses at present appears to be in Adelaide, where 2 Bustechs will be on the road soon.  Carbridge have a number at Sydney Airport but mostly for airside work, and frankly they aren't as good as the local offering.