Brisbane City Council has put four Euro 6 spec Volgren buses on the streets as part of its commitment to a low emission network.
The buses are Volgren’s 12.5m Optimus model based on the Volvo B8RLE and are being used to evaluate the performance against the current the current Euro 5 fleet. The council operates 1200 buses, with almost half of them run on compressed natural gas.
Brisbane City Council manager of engineering and asset management, Karl Hain said there is an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
“Brisbane City Council is committed to the city being clean, green and sustainable. Two key areas this is achieved is by providing clean air and lowering carbon emissions,” he said.
“The introduction of a Euro 6 engine helps Council achieve these outcomes as the Euro 6 engine reduces emissions by 80 per cent for NOx, 66 per cent for particulate matter and 70 per cent for hydrocarbons compared to the current legislated Euro 5 standard.”
Hain said bus operators at Council’s Virginia depot have already reported improved performance of the Euro 6 compared to the previous Euro 5 EEV model.
“Bus operators have indicated a clear preference for the Euro 6 with smoother delivery of power and a quieter engine than the previous generation EEV. All indicators suggest that the new vehicles have made a positive impact for the environment, our operators and importantly, our passengers,” Hain said.
Hain added that the joint venture with locally based Volgren, supported Council’s primary responsibility to ensure value for money for Brisbane rate-payers while providing local OEM and after sales support.
Volgren commercial manager Jim Jones said delivery of the Volgren built buses represents an important milestone in a partnership that spans more than 15 years.
“The introduction of the Euro 6s across the network contributes to Brisbane being recognised as 100 per cent carbon neutral,” Jones said.
“The transport for Brisbane team has shown great leadership by investing in the latest technology to deliver lasting environmental outcomes and a commitment to improving driver and customer experience.”
