Gold Coast transport: Surprise funding to build and test electric buses

The State Government will this afternoon announce plans to build and test an alternative to light rail on the Gold Coast in a move welcomed as a boost for the city’s economy.

THE State Government will build and test electric buses on the Gold Coast as part of a $23 billion election commitment.

Burleigh Heads company Bustech will build 10 electric buses under the deal, the first of which will be trialled in 2021 on the 777 route, which runs from Broadbeach to Gold Coast Airport and will eventually be replaced by the light rail’s third and fourth stages.

The trial will cost $1 million over a 12-month period.

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Electric buses are set to be built on the Gold Coast under a plan put forward by Labor.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Labor would fund construction of the buses, which will also be trialled in Logan.

Mr Bailey said the proposal would create 150 jobs.

“We have built light rail, we are rolling out the longest electric vehicle super highway in the world, and from next year locals will build and ride electric buses that will be able to travel up to 300km from a single charge,” he said.

“It is part of a $23 billion commitment by the Palaszczuk Government to supercharge roads, public transport and jobs.”

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Transport Minister Mark Bailey.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project was part of a plan to fire up the state’s manufacturing sector.

“We are growing Queensland’s advanced manufacturing base, building on industries like defence manufacturing with Rheinmetall and aerospace manufacturing with Boeing,” the Premier said.

The Gold Coast City Council is already moving ahead with its own $100 million plans for electric buses which will connect the light rail’s coastal route to Nerang and Robina via Metricon and Cbus stadiums.

Gold Coast City Council is working on its own electric bus plan

The election commitment has been welcomed by public transport groups including the Queensland Bus Industry Council.

Council executive director David Tape said: “Having more electric and greener bus fleets is important as well as ongoing investment and support for our vital industry.”

Surfside bus co-chief executive Adam Begg said it was a significant boost for the Gold Coast’s economy.

“This is a fantastic outcome for regular Gold Coast commuters and tourists alike, who will be among the first to experience the benefits of cleaner, greener buses with quieter, smoother operation,” he said.

“It will change the way people think about public buses and strengthen the Gold Coast’s reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking city.”