By Casey Neill
A new hybrid bus fleet will be built in Dandenong.
The State Government announced the vehicles would run in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine to reduce emissions and improve accessibility.
All 50 buses will feature low floor layouts and will be a Euro 6 emission standard, the highest and cleanest level for commercial vehicles worldwide.
Volgren will complete the body construction and fit out.
Volgren CEO Peter Dale said the project secured manufacturing jobs across the local supply chain.
“All 50 buses will be built in Dandenong and locally engineered, securing jobs and supporting local development and design in hybrid technologies,” he said.
“Hybrid and electric buses are a key part of a sustainable public transport solution and it’s a great endorsement for Volgren, to be able to bring these new technologies to market.”
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said this was great news for the local community.
“This pipeline of work will support our local economy and most importantly local jobs,” she said.
Trials in Victoria found hybrid buses used 30 per cent less fuel and made significantly less noise during idling and departing from stops.
The new buses will be phased into operator CDC Victoria’s bus fleet over the next three years.
The first bus will enter service late this year and at least 30 will be delivered in the next 12 months.
