Qld’s manufacturing program unveils locally built rail replacement bus

The initial batch of 200 rail substitute buses has been completed as part of the Queensland Government’s investment surpassing $130 million, bolstering the state’s public transportation and local manufacturing.

Manufactured by local workers at Volgren’s state-of-the-art Eagle Farm facility, the Euro 6 diesel bus, mounted on a Volvo chassis, is poised to mitigate disruptions for commuters during essential maintenance on the South East Queensland train network.

Owned by the Queensland Government and operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, this 43-seat bus is set to be deployed during track closures, aiming to minimise disruptions for commuters while essential maintenance is carried out on the South East Queensland train network.

Volgren is poised to deliver a total of 165 rail replacement buses for the Queensland Government, with production expected to ramp up to approximately one bus per day.

Additionally, Scania, operating out of its Rocklea manufacturing facility, is constructing 35 Euro 6 diesel buses with BusTech bodies.

With all 200 buses slated for completion by the end of 2024, this initiative bolsters local manufacturing and generates employment opportunities, skills development, and training programs.

According to the government, Volgren alone has seen nearly a 70, per cent increase in its Queensland workforce, creating almost 50 new jobs.

Designed to prioritise accessibility, these buses cater to all passengers, including those with mobility challenges, luggage, or prams.

At present, the government reported that the Euro 6 diesel bus represents the most environmentally friendly diesel bus available for mass production in Queensland.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish highlighted the benefits of building buses in the state for local workers, the manufacturing sector, and commuters.

“Unlike the LNP, we’re backing local jobs and manufacturing and supporting the development of clean, renewable buses for Queenslanders,” Mellish remarked.

Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro praised Volgren’s investments in its Eagle Farm facility over the past 15 years, emphasising the facility’s role in building buses in Queensland by Queenslanders.

“Volgren is honoured to be part of this amazing project and we are looking forward to leading the transition for Zero Emission Buses to be built here in Queensland when the time comes,” Deiro said.

This initiative aligns with the Queensland Government’s broader strategy of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet.

Plans are underway for the local production of hundreds of zero-emission buses, complemented by the establishment of zero-emission depots across SEQ.

By 2025, all new Translink-contracted buses in SEQ are expected to be zero-emission vehicles.