South Australia is accelerating its journey towards a greener public transport system with the introduction of hybrid trains and hydrogen buses, joining the ranks of full battery electric buses already trialled across the network.
Over the next two years, a ground-breaking hydrogen bus trial will begin with two vehicles based at the Morphettville bus depot, operating on various routes across Adelaide from the end of August.
In partnership with Foton Mobility, BOC and H2H Energy, Torrens Transit will conduct internal testing of two Foton hydrogen fuel cell buses, paving the way for their deployment.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses (HFCB) are an emerging green technology, with trials and fleet implementations taking place around the world.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer faster refuelling and longer range than battery-electric buses, making them suitable for outer suburbs and regional routes.
The State Government is also investigating options for powering trains on key lines, including the Belair, Outer Harbour, Grange and Port Dock connections.
Meanwhile, progress on the prototype hybrid diesel railcar continues with promising results. The Energy Storage and Recovery System on board the railcar stores kinetic energy generated during braking, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by about 16 per cent.
With the first train about to enter passenger service, installation of this system across the entire fleet of 44 diesel railcars is underway and is expected to save an estimated 2,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year when completed by mid-2024.
Adelaide Metro is also making progress towards zero-emission public transport, with trials underway for the state's first full-battery electric bus, offering improved comfort, accessibility and environmental benefits.
With more electric buses on order pending trial results, Adelaide Metro remains committed to achieving a zero-emission public transport system in line with the State Government's net-zero emissions target by 2050.