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

In summary, the operational model shows discounted fuel savings of $269,866 and
$214,049 for Optare and BYD fleet deployment over the standard Sunbus diesel fleet for the
10 year leasing period. However, these savings were not sufficient to offset the additional
operational costs incurred in deployment of electric buses on Route 627. The charging and
scheduling limitations of the electric buses – requiring an additional bus to be run on the
route – make electric bus deployment an expensive option.
As costs are assessed over the 10 standard leasing period, this assessment provides some
degree of comfort if the decision is made to extend the operation of the chosen bus beyond
the end of the trial period. However, as noted above, these estimates are indicative only and
the best measure of the commercial viability of running an electric bus on Route 627 should
be based on actual performance in Noosa operating conditions during the proposed trial
period.
A copy of the financial model is enclosed in Appendix F of this report.

7.4      Benefits
The potential benefits of an electric bus on Route 627 for Noosa include:

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions

Fully electric drivetrains, as opposed to diesel powered combustion engines, can achieve
fuel and emissions reductions of up 80% for electric buses if the electricity is sourced from
renewable sources1.

Ambient noise reduction

Electric buses typically reduce operational noise by up to 70 dB. Urban areas of Noosa will
benefit significantly where traffic noise may already be acknowledged problem. Mixed use
developments along Route 627, with residences built above commercial premises in closer
proximity to major transport routes and hubs, will similarly benefit from noise reduction.

Air quality and odour reductions for populated areas due to the zero tailpipe
emissions
In addition to CO2 emissions reduction, the elimination of black diesel exhaust smoke, soot
and odour is a significant benefit to the community’s enjoyment of our urban areas.

Fatigue related transport incidents
Drivers of electric buses report significant reductions in fatigue due to elimination of the
vibration and noise caused by a diesel engine. Given that fatigue is identified as a significant
cause of road incidents and accidents, any reduction in fatigue for the drivers of vehicles
which are heavy road users can be expected to have a positive impact.

Improved OH&S outcomes for drivers

As much as the factors of noise, air quality and odour and in-cab noise and vibration
described above have positive environmental impacts, they also make a very strong
contribution to the OH&S outcomes for operators and their drivers.

Additional social and community benefits

Additional social and community impacts should be assessed during the trial period, perhaps
using targeted market research of the passenger base. Market research will assess the

1
 Assessment of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies for the Victorian bus fleet, a discussion paper, Rare
Consulting Pty Ltd, January 2011




                                      GHD | Feasibility Study of Electric Bus Routes in Noosa - Planning Report | 53