Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Melaka launched first Electric bus, travel 300 km

Thumbs up to Melaka.

The historic state has came up with a common but fine idea on sustainability - zero emission public transport. With 300km of traveling distance, the bus will travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan before needing a recharge. (That is, if it was made available in Sabah).

 
Thumb up! Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron at the launch of the state's first electric bus.
ABN-news pic.


First electric bus to hit the roads on 7 January 2013

Melaka's first electric bus will hit the streets on Wednesday in Bandar Hilir area as part of a trial service for three months, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The service was free for users during the duration of the trial as a promotion exercise, and also to study the most suitable routes and reasonable fare rates for the journey.

The electric bus that operates under the state government subsidiary, Panorama Melaka Sdn Bhd, will take the route through historical areas and tourist attractions in Bandar Hilir such as the Stadhuys Building, Heroes Square, Bukit Senjuang, Mahkota Parade and Kota Laksamana.

"Once we are able to access suitable routes we will determine how many buses we will use in the future, for the time being we will start with one," he told reporters after test driving the bus in Seri Negeri.

The bus which costs RM1.35 million, adopts green technology from China and can travel as far as 300 km before needing a recharge and can accommodate a maximum of 60 passengers at a time.

"The state government will also create a 'soft policy' where, any vehicle using green technology will be allowed to pass through the heritage areas especially in front of the Porta de Santiago (A-Famosa) and the Declaration of Independence Memorial building," said Idris.

Source: BERNAMAPhoto:ABN News


TheGreenMechanics:

Sure, the initial investment is high. But that  is a bold move to towards independence from the finite fossil fuel.

Less noise, no fume and no toxic smelly exhaust, and potentially provide spin up businesses. I'd say great initiative Melaka.

Next, they could put up solar PV panels on the bus roof and that would help recharge the battery while the bus is on the move or while parked waiting for passengers.

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