Image credit: www.tagroup.net.au
The first of 100 new Metro buses for Tasmania’s Metro network has rolled off the production line and will soon enter the fleet.
The buses are being built by Bustech, the manufacturing arm of Transit Australia Group, in partnership with Tasmanian company Elphinstone which specialises in building vehicles and equipment for the mining industry.
The first prototype was built by Elphinstone’s Tasmanian employees at Bustech, and work will now begin in earnest at the Elphinstone facility in Wynyard to produce the remaining buses.
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the 4-year project was expected to create up to 40 new full-time jobs and encourage skills growth in advanced manufacturing.
“This is fantastic news for jobs on the North West, with Elphinstone already putting on 18 new employees to work on the prototype with another six to come once production gets underway,” the Minister said.
“Twelve other Tasmanian providers are also currently involved in the supply chain, with that number expected to rise in the coming months. It’s a great result and highlights how our commitment to create jobs is providing a sustainable public transport system both now and into the future.”
The new buses will all be environmentally friendly, air-conditioned, and low floor, allowing Metro to meet Disability Discrimination Act obligations for accessible services.
