Australian bus operator goes global with EVs

Australian-based public transport operator Transit Systems Group is set to launch more electric buses globally after winning another contract in London.

Through its associated company Tower Transit, it was awarded Route C3 in addition to its current Route 23 by government body Transport for London.

Both routes are set to be operated with fully electric buses and will see 37 new electric double decker buses now added to the global portfolio of operations.

Transit Systems also operates electric buses in Australia as part of a New South Wales trial.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to work in public transport, on the cusp of such significant advancements, and we’re very proud to partner with Transport for London to replace all of the diesel and hybrid buses on Route 23 and C3 with fully electric buses,” Transit Systems chief executive Clint Feuerherdt says.

“These new contracts reflect our positioning as an innovative leader in alternative energy solutions, and will make us one of Australia’s most experienced, and largest, electric bus operators.

“This announcement represents our determination to be a key partner driving a relentless and rigorous approach to the research and development of sustainable transport solutions.

“Transit Systems’ electric trial in Sydney, as part of the Region 6 bus contract, is currently underway and we are really pleased with the outcomes so far, collecting valuable data and insights to continue driving innovation in this field, while Tower Transit already operates England’s largest hydrogen powered bus fleet.

“The Transport for London contracts further demonstrate our commitment and capabilities to deliver reliable, safe, convenient and sustainable public transport solutions for governments and for communities,” Feuerherdt says.

In Australia, Transit Systems Group operates metropolitan bus services in Perth (operating as Swan Transit), Adelaide (Torrens Transit), Sydney (Transit Systems NSW), Victoria (Sita Group) and Darwin (Territory Transit).

Together, Transit Systems and Tower Transit currently operate more than 3100 buses across 40 contracts in Australia, London and Singapore on behalf of governments and transport authorities. The Group carries around 344 million passengers annually on its services.

Internationally, the companies operate significant urban bus services in the Transport for London network and in Singapore.

It was announced in October 2019 that SeaLink Travel Group has entered into agreements to acquire Transit Systems Group, including Tower Transit. SeaLink Travel Group is an Australian ASX listed company.