THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT has announced a partnership with Grenda bus company that will soon see hybrid buses plying Melbourne’s streets.

The initial trial of two hybrid diesel-electric buses will cost the Victorian and Federal Governments $500,000, and will run on two suburban routes in metro Melbourne. It is the first project of its kind in Australia.

The trial has been developed to assess the possible role of hybrid buses in reducing the carbon footprint of public transport, and if successful, Victorian Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the hybrid buses could be rolled out across the state’s public transport network.

“We believe the hybrid-electric bus trial will show how improvements in transport technology can deliver air quality improvements and reduce our carbon emissions,” Mr Jennings said.

“It is estimated this hybrid-electric technology will provide a saving of around 20 per cent on fuel and greenhouse gas emissions compared to a conventional diesel bus.”

Grenda will oversee the running of the two buses, with one to travel its 900 route from Stud Park to Caulfield, while the second bus will run on Ventura’s 250 route from Garden City to La Trobe University.