Alternative fuel for buses to be discussed at Perth conference

31/1/97

Alternative fuels for Perth's new multi-million-dollar bus fleet will be discussed at an international conference to be held in Perth next month.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the conference preceded the Western Australian Department of Transport's 12-year program to modernise Perth's metropolitan bus fleet of approximately 850 vehicles. Worldwide registrations of interest had already been called and a contract could be awarded as early as mid-1997.

The Fuelling the Future Conference on February 19 would feature speakers representing the bus manufacturing and operating sectors, as well as representatives from the public and private transport sectors across Australia.

Mr Charlton said that by bringing these speakers together the Government would create an opportunity for constructive discussion about alternative fuels, including diesel and gas, which would assist in determining the most cost-effective and environmentally effective option in the long term.

"One of the Government's goals is to create a bus fleet with Australia's best practice emission standards," he said.

"Environmental issues, particularly air quality, are serious global issues and it is important for Governments to place increased emphasis on providing the community with more environmentally friendly public transport systems."

The keynote speaker will be Mr Urban Wastljung, environmental strategist, from Scania in Sweden. His presentation will give a global overview of bus manufacturing and innovations in the future. The European experience has forced many bus operators to adopt alternative fuelling methods to accommodate the strict environmental standards in many countries.

Other speakers from the private sector include Fritz Wehrmann, MAN Australia, Glen Stevens, MACK Australia, Brian Rogers, Cummins and Ken Grenda from PATH Transit. George Erdos from TransAdelaide and Wayne Butler from the New South Wales State Transit Authority will join Steve Chamarette from MetroBus in giving an overview of the public sector's perspective.

Media contact: Sally Squires: 321 7333