Next stop: Zero emissions buses by 2030 - To reduce rising transport emissions, policies to

The Climate of the Nation 2021 report shows that three in four Australians support the electrification of state bus fleets by 2030.1 Already, some state and territory governments are accelerating the move to electric buses powered by renewable energy through targets and strategies. [...] New York City's transition of 5,700 diesel buses to electric is predicted to save AUD $150,000 per bus each year in health care costs.9 In Australia, the NSW Government estimates that $1-2 billion in environmental and health costs could be saved over 30 years by transitioning the bus fleet from diesel to electric.10 Electric bus fleets can help overcome barriers to uptake of other electric transpo. [...] The ability to quickly transition bus fleets to electric is dependent on the age of the fleets. [...] According to the International Energy Agency’s analysis of the Shenzhen bus transition, “the partnership among bus operators, bus manufacturers, financial organisations and charging companies significantly alleviated the technology uncertainty and spread the cost burden.”24 It also highlights the importance of subsidies from multiple levels of government. [...] The urban focus in South-East Queensland is part of Queensland’s infrastructure investment for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.27 In addition to Queensland’s purchase targets, the Government recently opened a 100% renewable energy electric bus depot, which is expected to house 14 electric buses.28 To accelerate the state’s transition to electric buses, Queensland could introduce a f.