7 November 2019
• Edgewater residents’ concern over Public Transport Authority’s contract for bus supply
• Emily Hamilton MLA, State Member for Joondalup requests electric bus trial for Joondalup
Earlier this year, while out meeting her constituents, State Member of Parliament for Joondalup, Emily Hamilton MLA, heard from residents asking why Government had renewed a contract for diesel buses when there have been technological advances in vehicle power from other sources.
On her electors’ behalf, Ms Hamilton wrote to the Minister for Transport, Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, highlighting the concerns.
Minister Saffioti responded that the Bus Supply Agreement did in fact include provisions for the introduction of alternative powered vehicles into the public transport bus network when the technology was suitable for widespread implementation.
Ms Hamilton was able to respond to residents that the Minister was considering other options and raised the matter again in Parliament last month, asking if consideration could be given to a trial of electric buses in Joondalup. There are a number of factors making one of the Joondalup CAT bus routes ideal for a trial of this nature.
The response from Ms Saffioti was that she supports the idea, and will ask the Public Transport Authority (PTA) to examine an electric bus trial in Joondalup.
While speaking in Parliament on transport in Joondalup, Ms Hamilton took the opportunity to ask for consideration of an additional CAT bus route to service the Joondalup Business Park (Winton Road area) connecting local residents and visitors with some of the small businesses in the business park.
Ms Hamilton was very pleased to hear an electric bus trial will be considered and is looking forward to further discussions with the PTA, City of Joondalup and Edith Cowan University around the extension of services in the future.
Comments attributed to Emily Hamilton MLA Member for Joondalup:
“We do need to look to alternative technologies for our public transport bus fleet in the future and I hope that by beginning with a closed circuit we can explore this option further in Joondalup.
“On the idea of extending the CAT bus route into the business park, I know that this is something that would benefit the small businesses that operate there and increase the accessibility of connecting the Joondalup CBD even further.
“I am excited that Joondalup is being considered for a trial of electric buses and hope that we can be a leader in the metropolitan area for this technology.”
Comments attributed to Edgewater resident, Timothy Lawrence:
“I’m pleased to hear a trial of electric buses is being considered here.
“To me the number one benefit is moving towards energy security both for the transport fleet and our population.
“It’s great news that the McGowan Government is looking at alternative technologies for powering its public transport fleet.”
Media Contact: Emily Hamilton 9300 3990