Queensland government plans to build 200 buses

The Queensland government expects to stimulate bus manufacturing in the state, committing an initial $134 million to construct 200 buses as a feature of another Queensland fabricated transport fleet. 

A plan to manufacture 200 buses in Queensland has been pinned by the State Government on the revival of the bus manufacturing industry. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the declaration was an interest in Queenslanders and the future of its talented manufacturing area. 

“We know that when we build here in Queensland, we are supporting local workers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled bus builders,” Palaszczuk said. 

After Brisbane City Council’s decision to build its new Metro bus fleet overseas disappointed the industry, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will now conduct a procurement process. 

During times of planned track maintenance or disruption, the state will own and operate the buses, which will be available to transport rail passengers. 

“The procurement will specify that the first buses delivered will meet Euro-Six emissions standards, which run with 83 per cent fewer emissions than current diesel buses on our network,” said Transport Minister, Mark Bailey. 

Volgren and BusTech are among the local manufacturers likely to line up to build the new bus fleet, even though the government did not name any preferred tenderer for the contract. 

The government stated that the investment would support hundreds of local jobs and provide fully accessible buses to ensure that all Queenslanders, including wheelchair users and those travelling with luggage or strollers, can access public transportation. 

“At least a quarter of the buses delivered as part of this procurement will be Zero Emissions Buses, which will support the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment that all new buses towards a zero-emissions fleet,” said Bailey. 

“We make no apologies for backing Queensland workers – whether it’s trains or buses, they are built better when they’re built by Queenslanders,” Palaszczuk added.