Official launch of first of Transperth's new state-of-the-art buses

25/1/99

Transport Minister Murray Criddle today officially unveiled the first of Transperth's new state-of-the-art buses which will replace the current ageing fleet and give Perth's public transport system the most modern bus technology in Australia.

Mr Criddle said the unique low-floor, refrigerated air-conditioned buses had a range of innovations including automatic ramps for easy access by seniors, passengers in wheelchairs or with other disabilities, or parents with prams.

"These buses are world-class and will provide a major boost for Perth commuters," he said.

"The buses will be a giant leap forward in terms of comfort and as part of the Government's Safer WA program each vehicle will be fitted with a video surveillance system.

"The buses have a driver-activated kneeling facility which brings the floor closer to ground level if required, and reduces the angle between floor and kerb to make wheelchair access even easier."

Mr Criddle said close attention had also been paid to access-related features such as the best location for grab handles, seat and bus stop button heights and ticketing equipment - all factors that could make a big difference to the potential mobility of a passenger with a disability or frailty.

In addition to refrigerated airconditioning, the buses would have contoured seats, and low noise levels (due to an encapsulated engine). They would also have more prominent, easier to read destination signs, ensuring that waiting passengers could hail their correct bus.

Mr Criddle said the new buses were also environmentally, operationally and economically superior to gas-powered buses.

An expert reference group had earlier this month overwhelmingly endorsed the Government's decision to purchase Euro2 diesel-powered buses instead of unproven gas-driven technology.

"The report quite clearly showed the Euro2 engines meet the most stringent worldwide exhaust emission standards, and it would have been folly for us to opt for anything other than diesel-powered fuel," the Minister said.

"For example, running the new fleet on .05 per cent low sulphur diesel fuel combined with oxidising catalysts will produce a 30 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and a significant reduction in other air toxics.

"That is a significant reduction to a city working to reduce its level of air pollution."

Mr Criddle said that by the end of this year, 100 new buses would be operating across the metropolitan area, with the first appearing on the priority Circle Route and later, on the Fremantle-Rockingham Transitway.

About 65 new buses would be added to the fleet each year until Transperth's entire 848 bus fleet was upgraded to the most modern specifications by 2010.

The Minister said today's launch marked another milestone in Transport's commitment to providing Western Australians with a world-class public transport system.

"Our focus is always aimed at attracting more people on to our public transport system by providing the best quality buses, trains and taxis," Mr Criddle said

"To achieve this, we have made many significant improvements to the State's transport system, such as the introduction of the unique CAT system, upgrading of the train fleet with 10 new railcars, a program to modify existing railway stations to improve accessibility and the preparation of design standards for bus stops and shelters to maximise the accessibility of the new buses.

"In addition, the $1.3 billion Transform WA works program will complete our State's unfinished road and transport network, providing a world-class platform on which Transperth can implement its state-of-the-art public transport system."

Mr Criddle said the decision to introduce low sulphur diesel fuel to both new and existing buses would give Perth's public transport system the most modern bus technology in Australia, operating on environmentally responsible and cost-effective fuel.

WA's manufacturing industry would also receive a boost with Volgren employing up to 50 people at its new Malaga factory, where construction of 48 of the first 100 new buses would start in April. The remainder would be built in Melbourne.

"In addition Daimler Chrysler, which will supply the Mercedes-Benz buses, has demonstrated its commitment to making sure the contract is administrated properly by establishing a new regional office in Perth," Mr Criddle said.

"The combined level of investment in facilities, vehicles and services which go into delivering these world standard buses demonstrates the Coalition Government's commitment to providing Perth commuters with a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system."

Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321-7333