SkyBus Hobart electric buses celebrate milestone six months as passenger numbers soar
Tasmania’s first two fully electric buses are having an immediate impact on visitor experience and the environment with SkyBus Hobart recording its busiest November on record as the new zero emission vehicles reach the six-month mark.
Since launching in May 2022, the battery electric buses (BEB) have saved over 79 tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.
The quieter and greener ride between Hobart Airport and the city has also seen growing patronage, with almost 12,000 passengers choosing the SkyBus service last month — the highest passenger figures for November since SkyBus launched the service.
The zero emission buses have clocked up 75,000 kilometres in their first six months of operation, displacing vehicles which would have used almost 30,000 litres of diesel for the same distance demonstrating their immediate role in reducing pollution.
“As we continue our post-pandemic recovery, it’s great to see more and more people continue to choose SkyBus for our ease, convenience and affordability. Now they’re also enjoying a quieter, cleaner and greener travel experience,” said SkyBus Hobart Manager, Corey Slade.
During the unveiling of the electric buses, then Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein said the BEBs represented a major step forward in Tasmania’s response to climate change, by reducing transport emissions and increasing demand for the state’s clean, reliable, and renewable energy.
Watch the launch of our BEBs in Hobart from May 2022.
SkyBus owner Kinetic is Australasia’s biggest battery electric bus operator and owner with 186 electric buses on the roads this year. That number will to grow to 300 in 2023 as Kinetic helps more governments transition transport networks to zero emissions.
“We acknowledge that we are in a climate emergency, and we are proud and eager to do whatever we can to innovate and introduce sustainable transportation that protects Tasmania’s unique beauty now and for generations to come,” Kinetic General Manager of Tasmania, Drew Freeman said.
“What the first six months of this program has successfully demonstrated is that the impact is real and immediate. It would take about 2,800 Blue Mallee Eucalypt trees to offset the carbon emissions we have already achieved in just half a year.”
In addition to SkyBus, Kinetic operates government-contracted route and school services across Tasmania. The initial roll-out of the vehicles on SkyBus will help to determine the broader role of buses in driving net zero emissions targets.
SkyBus operates express bus services 7 days a week between Hobart Airport and multiple conveniently located stops across Hobart City. Services operate every 30 minutes during peak travel periods. For more information visit skybus.com.au.
Learn more about Kinetic’s road to net zero at wearekinetic.com/zero-emissions.