Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne visited Volgren’s factory in Dandenong yesterday to inspect the first of 50 new buses Volgren is delivering for Transdev.
Representing the single biggest order of replacement buses in Victoria for 25 years, the 50 Volgren low-floor city buses built on a Scania chassis are part of a 100 strong order made by the Andrews Labor Government in late 2018. The first instalment of Volgren’s order of 50 units have been completed ahead of time with 15 new Volgren buses already operating on the streets of Melbourne.
The new replacement buses are low-floor and fully accessible for all passengers, they feature USB charging facilities, improved CCTV capability, as well as bigger priority seating area. The 50 Volgren built buses will be entirely compliant of the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First Policy, ensuring each vehicle is made with 60 per cent local content.
Thiago Deiro and Ian Craig Regional Managing Director at Transdev Melbourne & New South Wales
Thiago Deiro, Chief Executive Officer of Volgren said the company was proud of the fact that all 50 buses for Transdev Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria will be designed, engineered and fully assembled in Dandenong, using locally sourced components.
“Over the past four decades, Volgren has become part of an extensive and thriving south-east Melbourne manufacturing ecosystem. Directly, Volgren employs more than 200 people in Victoria alone and indirectly, over 500 people across 50 local suppliers who have become a key extension of our business.”
“The Victorian Government’s decision to modernise, expand and upgrade Melbourne’s bus network secures those local jobs and supports the growing supply chain of local businesses.”
“Volgren is now responsible for close to two in every three route buses sold in Australia. This latest delivery for Transdev is another endorsement of our high-quality vehicles, as well as our ability to handle large-scale orders,” Thiago said.
Jim Jones, Volgren’s Commerical Manager said that from day one of this order being announced Volgren has collaborated closely with Transdev and chassis partner Scania to help design the best possible low-floor city bus for Victorian bus passengers.
“The partnership between the companies is strengthened further by the confidence Transdev has in knowing Volgren’s support extends beyond the delivery of the buses themselves.
“Transdev can always expect value from our company. The after sales support we provide, for example, helps to keep their buses on the road and increase the whole-of-life value of our product.”
All 100 new buses are set to be delivered and taking passengers by July 2020.