Media release - Hydrogen bus trial arrives in the Illawarra this week

10 December 2023

RYAN PARK
MINISTER FOR THE ILLAWARRA AND THE SOUTH COAST
MINISTER FOR HEALTH
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL HEALTH
MEMBER FOR KEIRA

JO HAYLEN
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

PAUL SCULLY
MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND PUBLIC SPACES
MEMBER FOR WOLLONGONG

JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - HYDROGEN BUS TRIAL ARRIVES IN THE ILAWARRA THIS WEEK

The state’s newest hydrogen bus will enter service in the Illawarra on Monday as it starts doing the rounds on Wollongong’s popular free Gong Shuttle loop.

The bus will start its six-month trial on the Gong loop, before being trialled on a number of other routes throughout the Illawarra to test its capabilities.

Data collected from the bus trial will be used by Transport to make decisions about the best electric and hydrogen technology for our regional bus operators, passengers, and communities.

Built by ARCC in Western Sydney, the bus can drive for 16 hours and cover 515km on just 32kg of Hydrogen. A similar diesel bus would consume 170 litres of diesel to travel the same distance.

The bus will be refuelled at the Coregas hydrogen refuelling station at the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub.

The bus will be operated by Premier Illawarra and will cover existing routes in line with existing timetables.

It follows a hydrogen bus trial on the Central Coast where the bus outperformed expectations on the road.

To find out more about Zero Emission Buses at transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Jo Haylen:

“We’re committed to transitioning the state’s fleet of 8,000 diesel and gas buses on our public transport network to zero emissions technology. That means rolling out electric buses onto roads in Sydney and Newcastle, and trialling technology like hydrogen buses in other parts of the state.

“It is great to see this new hydrogen bus roll out here today in Wollongong.

“It will provide Transport for NSW with important data needed to inform any future roll-out of Hydrogen technology on our bus and transport networks.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“The fare-free Gong Shuttle Loop is one of the most popular routes in NSW.

“This Hydrogen bus trial will give passengers a unique opportunity to experience a greener, quieter, and more comfortable journey on the loop between Wollongong station and the university.

“Illawarra is well placed to play an important role in the new clean energy economy which will bring significant economic and social value for the community.

“We’re looking to the future and supporting the creation of local jobs and opportunities in this growing region.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“I have been advocating for the Gong Shuttle and Illawarra bus routes to be used for a trial to power buses with hydrogen for years.

“Transport is a way that we can help develop both the supply and demand for hydrogen in the region as it is looked at as a cleaner, greener industrial fuel source in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“It’s exciting to see zero emission bus trials making their way out of Central Sydney, into the Central Coast, now Wollongong and in the future, more regional centres across NSW.

“This demonstration will help Transport for NSW better understand how hydrogen buses perform in the Gong and what infrastructure is needed to then roll them out in more corners of our state.”

Quotes from John King, Director, Premier Transport Group:

“Premier Illawarra is proud to collaborate with bus manufacturer ARCC and Transport for NSW on this innovative demonstration, and give our local passengers a cleaner, greener journey on the Illawarra bus network.

“The convenience of the local Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub gives us a unique opportunity in the Illawarra to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions across our services.

“We’re thrilled to play our part and cultivate strong partnerships between local manufacturers like ARCC, bus operators, and the NSW Government for the benefit of our communities and passengers.”