South Australia is charging towards a decarbonised public transport system, with the State Government ordering 60 brand new 100 per cent full battery electric buses.
The new bus fleet’s bodies are being built by Australian bus manufacturer Volgren, with infrastructure to charge the buses being installed at the Morphettville depot.
The 60 buses are on order from supplier Scania to be delivered progressively throughout the second half of 2025 and early 2026. There is currently just one full battery electric bus operating in the South Australian network, after a successful trial.
As well as being better for the environment, full battery electric buses offer more comfort to passengers, reducing noise and fuel-based pollution.
The South Australian Government has also appointed global engineering advisory firms Mott MacDonald and WSP to develop detailed planning to achieve zero-emissions operations across the passenger rail and bus networks.
Mott MacDonald, a global engineering, management and development consultancy, and WSP in Australia, has been selected based on its technical expertise and experience in helping governments globally transition their public transport networks towards zero-emissions operation.
The State Government said it is committed to an emissions reduction target of at least 60 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
Transportation is the largest single source of emissions in South Australia, with the operation of public transport vehicles being a major contributor to emissions generated by the South Australian Government.
The work to be undertaken by Mott MacDonald and WSP will consolidate the large body of planning and feasibility analysis already completed by the State Government into a detailed business case for achieving zero emissions operation across Adelaide’s passenger rail and bus networks.
It also follows a series of high-level meetings held by New South Wales Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, with some of the world’s biggest rail companies at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, with discussions focused on the State Government’s priority to progress the rollout of battery electric trains more broadly in the state.
The Adelaide Metro bus fleet currently consists of more than 1000 vehicles powered by a mix of diesel, hybrid, battery electric, and natural gas powertrains, with two hydrogen buses currently on trial.
As of September 2022, procurement of new diesel-only buses has ceased, and all new vehicles are now either diesel-electric hybrids or battery electric.
The State Government said the Adelaide Metro railway network is already partially decarbonised – the Gawler and Seaford Lines, including the Flinders spur line, have been electrified, however, the Belair and Outer Harbor line – including the Grange and Port Dock spurs – are operated by hybrid-diesel railcars.
The business cases are expected to be completed in early 2026.
Mr Koutsantonis said, “In January this year, we reached a major milestone in our journey towards sustainability with the 50th and final hybrid battery-diesel railcar commencing operation across Adelaide Metro’s rail network, marking the end of diesel trains.
“We have already undertaken a significant body of groundwork towards decarbonisation of both the bus and passenger rail networks.”
Mr Koutsantonis said the new business cases will build upon this prior body of work to decarbonise the metropolitan bus network and the Outer Harbor and Belair Lines, as the stats works towards its commitment to upgrade its public transport system to zero emissions with cleaner, greener and more efficient technologies.
“Not only are low and zero-emission transport options more environmentally friendly, they provide a smoother, quieter and more comfortable journey for commuters, which will encourage more people onto our public transport network.”
Mott MacDonald Managing Director, Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, Adrian Jones, said decarbonising the transport network is such an important initiative and the company is pleased to have been appointed by the South Australian Government to develop its zero-emission plan across the passenger rail network.
“Globally, we’ve led efforts to decarbonise transport systems, driving progress towards a sustainable future.
“In South Australia, we’re proud to have delivered successful business cases for major projects like the River Torrens to Darlington project, tram grade separations, and the Gawler rail line electrification.
“We are dedicated to delivering solutions that embody sustainable best practices, realise exceptional outcomes for our communities, and provide the best value.”
ZEB Operations and Transitions Lead, Brian Smith, said WSP is proud to be partnering with the South Australian Government to navigate a viable path towards achieving carbon-free mobility through the transition to zero-emission buses.
“As a driving force towards net zero outcomes, WSP’s team looks forward to helping unlock lasting environmental and community benefits for South Australia.”
