Last month, we were proud to be a part of a special event which saw Seymour become the first regional town in Victoria to operate an all-electric local route bus network.
As part of the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Bus Trial (ZEB), Seymour Passenger’s switch to electric helps to pave the way for more sustainable transport for the state.
Watch the video below to learn more about the launch event.
The initiative is a part of the state government’s plan to roll out a greener network over the next two years. The first Volvo Electric bus hit the Victorian roads in January and 52 more followed at other locations across the state.
Already, Seymour Passenger Services' all-electric bus fleet has travelled 65,000km, which has saved 65 tonnes of Co2 - equivalent to a decades worth of Co2 absorption from 646 trees!
A celebration of this incredible achievement and launch was held at the Seymour Bus depot, which saw project partners, city councillors, members of parliament, clients and community members come together to commemorate the occasion and cut the ribbon to officially launch the zero emission Volvo Electric Buses!
Anthony Fisicaro, CMV Truck & Bus Volvo Bus Sales Manager, Nick Curran, Aftersales & Service Manager and Brad Schulz, Volvo Bus Account Manager were proud to attend the event, along with Volvo Bus Australia representatives.
“We are proud to partner Volvo Buses Australian and help Seymour explore Volvo’s fantastic electric vehicle technology which ensures they can continue to service their community to the same high standards as they have for many years,” explains Anthony.
“We have proudly delivered these Electric Volvo Buses to Seymour and it’s been a pleasure to be involved in this project. It’s great to see regional Victorian getting a mention and a big shout out to Seymour for all their help,” Anthony concludes.
“Volvo Bus Australia is very pleased to be a lead partner in the rollout of Zero Emission Buses into Seymour alongside Seymour Passenger Services and the other distinguished partners that assisted to bring this project life.
Through the partnership with Volvo Bus, Seymour Passenger Services have delivered the latest technologies into their business to service the Seymour community, along with the latest support and training available to enable the highest possible fleet in-service availability and passenger comfort and safety,” said Volvo Bus Australia General Manager, Mitch Pedan.
Andrew Chan, Sita Holdings Group General Manager and Seymour Passenger Services ZEB lead attributed the success of the trial to the collaboration of the many stakeholders.
“Building an electric bus network is a technology challenge which can only be achieved through the partnership and cooperation of many stakeholders – from the e-charging infrastructure design and construction to the power supply, the bus manufacturer, software companies and many other key stakeholders,” Mr Chan said.
“Like anything worth doing, this has been a complex and challenging process requiring incredible determination, commitment and collaboration across multiple companies. In the process we have all learnt a lot and it has brought out the great character it takes to get things done. I’d like to thank each of the partners involved.”
The celebration was in preparation of the United Nations World Sustainable Transport Day on November 26.
The United Nations says that Sustainable transport — with its objectives of universal access, enhanced safety, reduced environmental and climate impact, improved resilience, and greater efficiency — is central to sustainable development.
We look forward to continuing to work with Seymour Passenger Services well into the future as they continue to reduce their environmental impact thanks to Volvo Electric Buses.