“Every decision matters:” Australian university replaces hybrid buses with fully electric ones

The University of Wollongong says it has begun operating two new electric buses on one of its main routes, replacing hybrid buses that operated previously,

The university announced on Tuesday that it had deployed the new low floor electric city buses, which were built to Australian specifications and provided by Foton Mobility Distribution.

The two new buses are operating on North Gong Shuttle route, which links the Wollongong campus with North Wollongong Station. This is one of two shuttle services operated by the university, opening the door for more electric buses to be rolled out over time.

Local bus operator Premier Illawarra won the tender which was opened late last year for new bus services. The North Gong Shuttle had previously used hybrid shuttle buses since the first such bus was launched in early 2016. A second hybrid bus was added in early 2020.

“When it comes to sustainability and carbon neutrality, every decision matters,” said Professor David Currow, acting vice-chancellor and president of the University of Wollongong (UoW).

“The electric buses will significantly reduce emissions from transport on campus and we are proud to be taking another step towards carbon neutrality,” Professor Currow said. “I encourage every student and staff member to use public transport when possible and to jump on one of our new electric buses.”

The introduction of these new electric buses is part of the university’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 – a target which includes the university’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

The University’s Shoalhaven Campus has already switched to 100 per cent renewable energy and has also started a number of other sustainability measures across its campuses, including recycling initiatives, water refill stations, electronic waste collection and mobile phone recycling, and encourages staff and students to catch public transport or ride to campus.

The University of Wollongong also secured a $450,000 grant from the NSW government late last year to fund the installation of three super-fast DC electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

According to Foton Mobility Distribution CEO Neil Wang, the introduction of these new electric buses will have a tangible impact on campus environment, reducing noise and pollution.

“The opportunity to partner with a major transport operator such as Premier Illawarra and my old alma mater, UOW, makes me very proud,” said Wang.

“Together, we will not only be showcasing the great qualities of the proven Foton Zero Emissions buses but also advancing the transition to net zero in the Illawarra.”