2015-04-07 Item 2 - Attachment 1 - Pre feasibility Study of Electric Bus Routes

bus technology options. The finding of the SWOT was used to inform the Multi-
Criteria Analysis (MCA) to determine the most appropriate solution for Noosa.
In addition, telephone interviews were conducted with transit agencies and bus
operators to understand actual implementation issues, potential risks and lesson
learnt, which could inform the electric bus for Noosa. The case studies included:
   Tel Aviv, “Dan” bus operator, BYD pilot
   Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority – Optare e-bus pilot
   Schiphol airport pilot program – BYD K-9
   Adelaide City Council -Tindo E bus
   Brisbane City Council
To supplement the market research, an email questionnaire was sent to selected
manufacturers, transit and government agencies in the electric bus Industry whom
were based locally and abroad. A copy of the questionnaire and the responses are
attached in Appendix A.
A review was also undertaken of relevant State and Federal Transport policy,
standards, regulations and contract which may potentially influence the
implementation of the electric bus project. The review also involved consulting with
key industry stakeholders to understand potential changes or directions in policy
and regulations that may support the Strategic Outline Case.

An assessment criteria framework was developed to identify factors which
influenced the project’s success and included Council’s/TransLink’s financial
priorities, financing requirements, CAPEX, OPEX, potential funding sources,
optimal fleet size considerations, availability of preferential interest rates, age of the
current fleet and maintenance cost, etc. The assessment criteria framework was
used to inform the SOC which consisted of a:

   Project financial model with key assumptions and variables including the
   CAPEX, OPEX and funding arrangements
   Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) highlighting the potential benefits and constraints of
   the preferred option
   Project risk assessment identifying project strengths and weaknesses which will
   assist in development of a successful future funding application.

   A project schedule will be developed to outline the key next steps to take the
   project to a live trial.

1.5      Report Structure
This report is comprised of the following sections:
   Section 2 – Transport planning framework
   Section 3 – Electric bus route selection for the trial
   Section 4 – Review of electric bus technologies
   Section 5 – Review of legislation, policy standards, regulations and contracts
   Section 6 – Developing the most appropriate solution for Noosa
   Section 7 – Strategic outline case
   Section 8 – Conclusions and recommendations



4 | GHD | Proposal for Noosa Council & TransLink Division - Planning Report