REPTILES from the media, back slappers, well wishers, and honest to goodness bus spotters descended on London Circuit this morning to welcome the first of ACTION’s new fleet of Scania buses to Canberra.

Shane Rattenbury officially launched the new buses which are the first in the country to meet the strict Euro 6 emissions standard.

“ACTION is the first city bus operator in Australia to use these improved, greener buses which will significantly decrease bus related air pollution,” Shane said.

“Over the next four years, 77 new cleaner buses will be progressively delivered replacing ACTION’s ageing Renaults, some of which are now up to 25 years old.

“The fleet upgrades will improve Canberra’s air quality, and make public transport a more attractive option for getting around Canberra.

“The Euro 6 diesel buses emit approximately 80 per cent less Nitrogen Oxide and 90 per cent fewer ‘diesel particulates’ than the previous Euro 5 engine models. It’s important we reduce these particular pollutants as they are harmful to people’s health and reduce local air quality.

Mr Rattenbury said ACTION’s new buses are also wheelchair accessible, increasing the number of easy access buses in the fleet.

“The bus chassis’ are provided by the manufacturer Scania Australia. The bodies of the buses are built in Adelaide, South Australia. The buses carry up to 66 passengers (48 seated). They have been designed with a focus on passenger comfort and vehicle safety, and are built to withstand 20 years in operation.

“These 77 new buses are in addition to the purchase last year of 13 articulated easy access buses,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.