Expanding green fleet secures Transit Systems’ place on AFR ‘Sustainability Leaders’ list

It’s been another successful year of zero emission achievements for Transit Systems, with the launch of hydrogen buses adding to the company’s globally recognised sustainability capabilities, while also boosting local eco-supply chain networks.

Known across the world for delivering Australia’s largest electrified bus depot as an industry-scale blueprint, Transit Systems has continued to carve out a name for piloting programs that make a significant green impact.

The Australian Financial Review has again recognised the company’s contributions to sustainability, with Transit Systems featuring on the 2024 ‘Sustainability Leaders’ list for the second year in a row.  

In August 2023, Transit Systems introduced two cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell buses into the Adelaide network. In November 2023, two additional Transit Systems hydrogen buses were introduced in Victoria. 

The Transit Systems hydrogen bus fleet offers an alternative to battery electric buses, with faster refueling and a greater range than electric buses, with Transit Systems CEO Michael McGee adding that they also help build the local supply chain eco-system.

“We continue to invest in green energy to reduce emissions but also speed up zero emission innovation.

“We’re proud to build local eco-supply chain networks and test market capabilities to drive better outcomes.

“Our hydrogen fleet has enabled us to deliver more zero emission buses while producing green hydrogen, supporting our partners in delivering initiatives that decarbanise cities while improving local manufacturing and supply chain logistics,” he said.

Hydrogen buses use fuel cells that work to combine hydrogen with oxygen. The resulting electricity is then used to power an electric motor and is also stored in batteries onboard.  

Mr McGee said these zero emission buses only produce water vapour. 

“These buses represent a stride toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for Australian public transport and we’re proud to partner with our government clients to pilot programs that create innovative pathways forward.  

“We need to comprehensively understand the capabilities of different technologies to determine the most effective deployment for local operating conditions.  

“The data we create and collect assists decision makers in evaluating the most applicable option, while catering to various operational needs and contributing collectively to a cleaner environment,” he said. 

Anticipating over 80,000 customer journeys within the first 12 months for Adelaide, these buses signify a significant leap toward sustainable and eco-friendly public transport.  

Transit Systems estimates an impressive reduction of approximately 90 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually from the Adelaide buses alone, underlining the commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.  

The Australian Financial Review ‘Sustainability Leaders’ list is determined by a team of analysts from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) using the “Sustainable Business Model Innovation” (SBM-I) methodology and in consultation with a judging panel with judges from The Australian Financial Review and BCG.

View the AFR Sustainability Leaders list here.