Planning for a zero-emission public transport fleet

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

Industry submissions for a business case to help forge technology solutions that will accelerate South Australia’s transition to a zero-emission public transport network are being sought through a new State Government tender.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is taking the latest step towards delivering a cleaner, greener public transport system with the release of a tender for Feasibility Studies and Business Cases for the Transition to Zero-Emission Public Transport.

Adelaide Metro is already making steps towards a zero emissions future, including delivery of the first full-battery electric bus in January 2023, and transition from a diesel to a hybrid bus fleet.

However, further assessment is required to inform a full transition plan and business case that determines funding requirements to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet.

Advice on the implications of an accelerated rate of electric bus uptake from 2025 will be considered, as part of the department’s target to make SA’s bus fleet 100 per cent electric by 2050.

A feasibility and technology study is also required to determine future technology options for powering trains on the Belair, Outer Harbor and Grange lines.

Transitioning from diesel to cleaner technologies will assist the State Government’s aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.