Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

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Daniel
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Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Daniel »

Media release from Bustech / Transit Australia Group:
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.
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1whoknows
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by 1whoknows »

And only six weeks after we published it in Australian Bus Panorama!!
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busdriver_81
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by busdriver_81 »

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.. :)
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Punchbowl Tiger Cub »

TonyP will be crying again - another operator has selected a Bustech product for city operations
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by tonyp »

Punchbowl Tiger Cub wrote:TonyP will be crying again - another operator has selected a Bustech product for city operations
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.
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Bedford-29 »

It will be interesting to see a XDi with Metro Tasmania famous yellow front
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Busnut704 »

Wonder what number scheme they will be? I'm guessing 800's series..?? But that's my 2 cents worth... :lol: :lol:
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Tas Bus Nut »

Busnut704 wrote:Wonder what number scheme they will be? I'm guessing 800's series..?? But that's my 2 cents worth... :lol: :lol:
Correct
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

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:D :D
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by superbossgc »

New Bustech XDi no 800 show up on bustech facebook pages.
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by Tas Bus Nut »

superbossgc wrote:New Bustech XDi no 800 show up on bustech facebook pages.
Bus is in Hobart NOW, for training purposes. Can be seen from Springfield Ave.
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

Post by wyndraie »

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.
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Re: Metro Tasmania - 100 New Bustech XDi

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