Transit Australia Group reaches manufacturing milestone
TRANSIT Australia Group’s manufacturing arm Bustech has this week made history securing a contract to build 100 low emission buses for Tasmania’s Metro network.
The $45 million project marks the single biggest investment in public transport in Tasmania’s history. It is also the first time any state or national government in Australia has procured buses that are entirely made in Australia.
Bustech is Australia’s only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with each bus built using chassis designed, engineered and made in-house.
The Metro contract will see Bustech partner with Tasmanian company Elphinstone Pty Ltd on the state’s North-West Coast to utilise existing capabilities while providing a boost to local manufacturing.
The four-year project is expected to create 40 new full-time jobs in Tasmania, including at least 24 jobs at Elphinstone and additional jobs throughout the local supply chain.
It is a similar formula Bustech applied successfully in South Australia, after forming a strategic partnership with Adelaide company Precision Components. The alliance secured a government grant supporting the build of environmentally friendly buses, including electric buses, for trial across Adelaide’s public transport network.
The initiative has already resulted in a further 50 buses ordered, helping to transition decades of advanced manufacturing expertise away from the South Australia’s declining automotive industry.
Adding to Bustech’s primary plant in Queensland, the new ventures provide a significant lift to Bustech’s annual production capacity, boosting the company’s ability to supply national and international markets.
Transit Australia Group chief executive officer Michael McGee said the Tasmania project was an exciting outcome for Australia’s manufacturing industry.
“We are delighted that the Tasmanian Government has recognised the superior build and weight reductions associated with our innovative XDI manufactured chassis,” Mr McGee says.
“It's also great to see them support and encourage local jobs and skills growth in advanced manufacturing.”
Elphinstone executive general manager Lee Whiteley said the project would strengthen the company’s position and broaden manufacturing facilities.
“The advanced manufacturing training and skills developed through the Metro project, together with our existing expertise, will be important in securing other opportunities in similar markets and sectors,” Mr Whiteley says.
Mr McGee said the new ventures marked exciting new territory for Transit Australia Group.
“In 2015 we successfully launched Australia’s first electric bus,” he says.
“In Adelaide we are developing advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce next generation, environmentally friendly diesel and electric buses for the Australian market.
“Adding Tasmania to the mix provides unique opportunities to further develop our strategic supply chain and leverage off existing skill sets across different companies to enhance our product offerings.”
The first wave of new buses in the Metro fleet will be completed in the next 12 months.
Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
- Daniel
- Administrator
- Posts: 7062
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 9:03 pm
- Favourite Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz O405 / CC '510'
- Location: Sutherland Shire
Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
Media release from Bustech / Transit Australia Group:
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
And only six weeks after we published it in Australian Bus Panorama!!
"Inside Every Progressive Is A Totalitarian Screaming To Get Out"
David Horowitz.
David Horowitz.
-
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 7:39 am
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
1whoknows wrote:And only six weeks after we published it in Australian Bus Panorama!!
Remember we're a little behind the times here in Tassie..
-
- Posts: 2011
- Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:15 am
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
TonyP will be crying again - another operator has selected a Bustech product for city operations
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
Just an eye-roll! I wonder if they're going for the high-floor version with the steps at the second door or Adelaide's low-entry version where people can't see out the windows? Or maybe it'll have only one door, so all will be well.Punchbowl Tiger Cub wrote:TonyP will be crying again - another operator has selected a Bustech product for city operations
- Bedford-29
- Posts: 4942
- Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:31 pm
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
It will be interesting to see a XDi with Metro Tasmania famous yellow front
Previoulsy known as United Diesel 15
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
Wonder what number scheme they will be? I'm guessing 800's series..?? But that's my 2 cents worth...
Busnut704
VOLVO B10M ARE THE BEST!
VOLVO B10M ARE THE BEST!
- Tas Bus Nut
- Posts: 9547
- Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:08 pm
- Favourite Vehicle: Mercedes Benz O303
- Location: Hobart Tasmania
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
CorrectBusnut704 wrote:Wonder what number scheme they will be? I'm guessing 800's series..?? But that's my 2 cents worth...
- superbossgc
- Posts: 2163
- Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:11 pm
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
New Bustech XDi no 800 show up on bustech facebook pages.
Austral Volvo B10M mk3 Artic (375-380) 1991-2012
- Tas Bus Nut
- Posts: 9547
- Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:08 pm
- Favourite Vehicle: Mercedes Benz O303
- Location: Hobart Tasmania
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
Bus is in Hobart NOW, for training purposes. Can be seen from Springfield Ave.superbossgc wrote:New Bustech XDi no 800 show up on bustech facebook pages.
Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi
From the Advocate Newspaper on Thursday 26 April 2018
The first of Metro Tasmania’s 100 new buses rolled out for its first showing on Thursday at Elphinstone’s Southern Prospect plant near Wynyard.
The sleek vehicle, kitted out in Metro livery and surrounded by the engineers, was welcomed by Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff.
He was impressed that from Thursday, Elphinstone planned to complete one new bus every seven to eight working days until the 100 new vehicles were delivered.
Metro Tasmania chief executive officer Megan Morse said the company was experiencing significant growth in Hobart and most of the buses would be heading south to meet the demand for public transport.
The new buses also had a distinctive black area on the front just above ground level to cut painting and repair maintenance, and the driver’s area was better designed to meet their needs.
The first of Metro Tasmania’s 100 new buses rolled out for its first showing on Thursday at Elphinstone’s Southern Prospect plant near Wynyard.
The sleek vehicle, kitted out in Metro livery and surrounded by the engineers, was welcomed by Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff.
He was impressed that from Thursday, Elphinstone planned to complete one new bus every seven to eight working days until the 100 new vehicles were delivered.
Metro Tasmania chief executive officer Megan Morse said the company was experiencing significant growth in Hobart and most of the buses would be heading south to meet the demand for public transport.
The new buses also had a distinctive black area on the front just above ground level to cut painting and repair maintenance, and the driver’s area was better designed to meet their needs.