The Andrews Labor Government is introducing Hybrid technology on 50 new buses in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine to reduce emissions, improve the passenger experience and create local jobs.
The introduction of 50 new Victorian built Hybrid buses into the CDC Victoria bus fleet will improve accessibility, support local jobs and reduce the impact on the environment.
All 50 buses will 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 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.
Trials in Victoria found Hybrid buses used 30 per cent less fuel and reduced noise significantly during idling and departing from stops.
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.
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 connect passengers to trains at Glen Iris, Mount Waverly, Oakleigh, Ormond and McKinnon stations.