Hydrogen bus trial pulls in to Illawarra

NSW’s newest hydrogen bus will enter service in the Illawarra today as it begins doing the rounds of Wollongong’s free Gong Shuttle loop.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said 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. 

“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,” said Minister Haylen.

“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.” 

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 and will be operated by Premier Illawarra.

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

“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,” said Director, Premier Transport Group, John King.

“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.”