- First electric bus begins service on Joondalup CAT route today
- Four buses to take part in trial of the electric battery technology
- Joondalup bus depot modified to include high-voltage EV charging system
- Major step forward in sustainable public transport technology
Reports of a bright red cat roaming the streets of Joondalup have been confirmed, with the first battery-electric bus entering service on the northern suburb's CAT route today.
Powered by lithium-ion batteries with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, the bus is the first of four electric vehicles to be rolled out onto the Joondalup route as part of a trial.
The cleaner, greener technology will be evaluated on a range of factors including safety, reliability, efficiency, performance, downtime, emissions reductions, life-cycle costs and risks, with its adaptability to Perth's climate and road network among the primary considerations.
As part of the rollout, modifications have also been made to the Joondalup bus depot.
This includes installation of a high-voltage electric vehicle charging system which will allow the electric buses to be recharged at the depot through a combination of the existing grid network and a 100 kilowatt solar power array connected to a large on-site battery storage system.
The four electric buses are being delivered under the Public Transport Authority's existing bus supply contract with Volvo, with the company committed to local production in Western Australia for any further orders should the trial be successful.
The new Purple CAT bus that services Kings Park, Perth Children's Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and the University of Western Australia commenced service on Sunday February 27.
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"With an eye-catching bright red livery, it will be hard to miss this new electric bus running passengers across Joondalup.
"Internally, they look similar to other Transperth buses on the network but with one significant difference - their battery-electric technology makes them cleaner and greener, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
"We will use this trial to evaluate a wide range of factors into the technology.
"We are keen to supply more of these buses and to make them here in WA."
Comments attributed to Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:
"We know electrifying the way we travel is going to play a significant role in our State reducing emissions and reaching net-zero by 2050.
"This is an important goal for our government, so I am really keen to see the outcome of the trial - and how transitioning to greener technology can support local jobs and manufacturing."
Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"Joondalup is the perfect place for the trial of our first electric CAT bus.
"I have been campaigning for this trial since 2019 and I am so pleased that from today we will see the first bright red CAT bus hitting the streets of Joondalup.
"I can't wait to hear from residents about their thoughts on our new electric buses."
Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
Climate Action Minister's office - 6552 6300