Kinetic unveils new electric depot facility in Cairns
- Kinetic has unveiled an industry leading upgrade of its electric bus depot in Cairns (Gimuy)
- The facility is home to five battery electric buses, a state-of-the-art maintenance facility and new administration and operations building.
- It provides a platform for the ongoing electrification of the Cairns bus network with Kinetic operating public transport, school and charter services.
Kinetic has unveiled an industry leading upgrade of its bus depot in Portsmith, Cairns as an important site to power the region’s transition to a zero-emission bus network.
Five zero-emission buses already operate from the facility, providing a better travel experience for regular commuters and visitors alike in the popular Tropical Far North Queensland destination.
As part of the project, Kinetic has delivered a new operations and administration building and state-of-the-art maintenance workshop.
Queensland Tourism Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy officially opened the new facility alongside Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards.
Mr Sewards said as Kinetic transitions towards a Net-Zero future, it required significant investment in technology and facilities to keep pace.
“This upgrade is an important investment in the future sustainability of our operations, delivering infrastructure that will support the Cairns community now and for decades to come,” he said.
“With new facilities to support the maintenance and presentation of our vehicles and delivery of services, we now have the capacity to focus on the continued electrification of our fleet in the region.
“This is something we are doing across the world in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia - and it’s exciting to be leading this transformation here in major regional cities like Cairns as well.”
Kinetic launched Cairns first electric buses in 2022. Kinetic also operates zero-emission buses on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as the largest operator of electric buses in Australia and New Zealand.
Minister Healy said the public transport network was critical to the visitor experience for millions of tourists who travel to Cairns to experience the natural wonders of the region.
“We launched some of Queensland’s first electric buses here in Cairns and I am pleased to say the response from passengers and the community has been fantastic,” he said.
“In partnership with Kinetic, this leadership and further investment in its local facilities showcases steady progress in our region and a shared commitment to providing a cleaner and greener transport network.
“It will also provide greater capacity to deliver enhanced services for Cairns as we continue to grow and attract visitors from around the world.”
Having operated bus services in Cairns since 2008, Sunbus was acquired by Kinetic in 2019 with a team of more than 170 passionate and dedicated people now delivering more than 3.4 million passenger journeys each year.
Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for North Queensland Martin Hall said the new facility has greatly improved the workplace environment.
“Our team is proud of the important work they do, and it is fantastic to see them enjoying these new facilities,” he said.
“From drivers, cleaners, mechanics and operations staff, we know that investing in our people, in our fleet and facilities is absolutely essential to attracting new people to the industry as we strive for a diverse and engaged workforce.”
Across Australia and New Zealand, Kinetic operates almost 300 zero emission buses powered by 10 electric depots. Globally, through its subsidiary in the UK, Kinetic’s electric bus fleet is expected to grow to 1,000 vehicles this year.
Zero-emission busing is among Kinetic’s key sustainability priorities including targeting a 100 per cent zero emission bus fleet by 2035.
Find out more about Kinetic’s sustainability commitments at wearekinetic.com/sustainability.
Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com