The question of cleaner air has long been at the top of people’s minds in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, particularly since the disastrous Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire of February 2014.
That fire, sparked by embers from a nearby bushfire, turned into one of the largest, longest running and most complex fires in Victoria and saw thousands of people in nearby towns affected by smoke, ash and pollutants from the month-long blaze.
So the owners and operators of Latrobe Valley Bus Lines (LVBL) were excited and proud to play an important part in reducing emissions in the Valley.
LVBL recently partnered with Volgren and Volvo to launch Victoria’s first Volvo Euro 6 route service bus – as part of a shared commitment to a clean environment.
Euro 6 environmentally friendly technology operates with improved environmental performance by reducing engine emissions and lowering fuel consumption as well as noise levels.
At a launch of the bus on July 30, LVBL, the family company and bus operators in the Valley for more than 50 years, said it was proud to have become the first Victorian bus company to operate a Volgren-built low-floor Euro 6 route service bus and to invest in the important technology.
The Euro 6, with a Volgren Optimus body, reduces particular matter emissions by up to 80 per cent and nitrous oxide by up to 60 per cent and uses less fuel overall and has a very quiet engine.
LVBL owner Rhonda Renwick said the new bus will fit in well with LVBL’s commitment to the environment. “Our environmental initiatives include a commitment to a modern fleet of buses in good mechanical order.”
Volgren, Australia’s biggest bus body builder is also proud to be doing its bit in helping build a cleaner Latrobe Valley – as well as giving local commuters a safer, more efficient and comfortable service.
The launch was attended by Ms Harriet Shing, Federal Member for Eastern Victoria, as well as representatives of Volgren, Volvo, Public Transport Victoria and LVBL staff.
Ms Shing congratulated LVBL, Volvo and Volgren on their commitment to “keeping local” in bringing the first Euro 6 service to Victoria. She said it was great to see Latrobe Valley businesses partnering with leading Victorian manufacturing industry such as Volgren to introduce world-leading technology in ways that benefit people in the community.
