Queensland-first electric bus public transport service launched in Yarrabilba

The launch of the wheelchair accessible 40-seater Yutong-manufactured bus was made possible as a result of the partnership between Lendlease and Logan Coaches.

While the initial cost of the electric bus is $130,000 higher than standard diesel buses, the expense would be recouped over three to four years due to running cost savings.

The bus operates with 12 batteries and has a driving range of 380 kilometres.

Yarrabilba is also the first master planned community in Australia to install Tritium Veefil fast chargers, which reduces typically vehicle charging times from eight hours to 30 minutes.

Logan Coaches director Peter Cavanaugh said the environmentally friendly and efficient service would set an example for the rest of Queensland to follow.

"We are sure Queensland government departments will monitor the introduction of this electric bus and look to introduce this technology more broadly across the passenger services of Queensland," he said.

"Planning is already underway to add additional electric buses to our service area."

The bus service route starts from Yarrabilba Drive to the Logan Hyperdome and Beenleigh from 6.15am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday.

Lendlease Yarrabilba development director Michelle Wooldridge said Yarrabilba was taking a significant step forward.

"At Yarrabilba, sustainability is at our core and this Queensland first in fully electric bus transport is just one of the ways in which we are continuing to set new national benchmarks for environmental excellence," she said.

Logan Coaches assistant general manager Robbie Harrop said the bus would be significantly cheaper to run.

"We anticipate the on-road operating cost will be between 75 and 80 per cent less in comparison to an equivalent diesel-powered bus."

Logan MP Linus Power said this new generation of buses would provide a quieter service and release zero emissions.