State-owned buses are set to provide train commuters with greater travel options once construction starts on Logan’s major rail upgrade.
The first 165 of 200 Brisbane-made replacement buses are rolling off the production line.
The government-owned Volvo buses will be used during track closures across a variety of regional rail projects.
They will be the main saviour for local commuters when construction of the Faster Rail project begins, which will consist of doubling almost 20km of track, removing the city’s level crossings, and relocating multiple stations.
It remains unclear when construction will start, but Transport and Main Roads promised to “keep people moving” once it does.
“The rail replacement buses are about providing easier arrangements during track closures,” a Translink spokesperson said.
“TMR currently works with its contracted bus operators to source rail replacement buses during rail track closures.
“The new arrangement will mean TMR owns the buses and can deploy them more flexibly across SEQ during track closures on the train network.
“TMR will continue to plan for rail replacement services to ensure it meets the increased demand as major rail construction projects continue.
“When finalised, rail replacement bus arrangements and scheduling will be communicated to the travelling public though the various channels.”
The 43-seat buses are being made at the Eagle Farm Volgren facility, at a rate of around one every day.
The Translink spokesperson said Volvo was awarded the contract through a closed competitive process.
“The Euro 6 diesel bus is the lowest emissions diesel bus available to be made in Queensland in mass production at this point in time,” they said.
“Having access to these assets in a timely fashion will allow us the opportunity to move our rail customers via replacement buses on safer, cleaner and more comfortable vehicles.”
The remaining 35 buses with BusTech bodies will be built at the Scania manufacturing facility at Rocklea.
Almost 50 new local jobs have been created at Volgren as to build the buses, increasing the company’s workforce by 70 per cent.
The buses were designed to be fully accessible, with accommodations made for wheelchairs, luggage or prams.
Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro said he was thrilled the company could deliver the buses.
“This project has enabled us to invest in our local facility and double our production capacity in record time,” Mr Deiro said.
“As we meet the challenging delivery schedule, our facility stands as a testament to pride, filled with new buses ready to serve the community.”
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