Alright, folks, let's talk about the latest development in public transport that’s making waves and causing certain politicians to break out in a cold sweat, electric buses. Yes, those sleek, silent machines that glide through the streets without a hint of petrol stink or diesel belch. While the rest of the world is embracing these eco-friendly giants, Australia is seeing a slow, but steady, rise in their numbers. So, why are some of our leaders like #PeterDutton and his screechers Cash and Ley acting like they've seen a ghost whenever an electric vehicle (EV) is mentioned?

First, let’s set the scene. #Melbourne, our beloved city, has been a pioneer in electric public transportation. The first electric tram hit the tracks in Melbourne way back in 1889, thanks to the Box Hill and Doncaster Tramway Company​​. That’s right, over 130 years ago, Melbournians were already enjoying the benefits of electric transit. And yet, here we are, in 2024, with certain politicians behaving as if electric vehicles are the latest alien invasion.

Take Michaelia Cash and Sussan Ley, for instance. These two are so petrified of EVs that they allegedly refuse to ride trams when in Melbourne. Can you imagine the mental gymnastics involved in avoiding one of the city's most efficient and beloved forms of transportation? It’s almost as if they think riding a tram might spontaneously combust their political careers.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world, and even some parts of Australia, are moving forward. The #Chinese EV giant #BYD recently unveiled their all-electric double-decker bus, the BD11, which promises increased range and fast charging capabilities. This bad boy can go from zero to fully charged in just two hours and offers more interior space for passengers​​​​.

But wait, there’s more! Australia is slowly waking up to the benefits of electric buses. While exact numbers can be hard to pin down, the trend is clear: electric buses are on the rise. Reports indicate that cities like Sydney and Melbourne are starting to integrate these zero-emission buses into their public transport fleets. It’s about time, considering how long Melbourne has been ahead of the curve with its tram network.

So why the reluctance from Cash and Ley? Are they afraid that acknowledging the benefits of #EVs will undermine their past defences of fossil fuels? Or perhaps they fear that admitting the efficiency and sustainability of electric transport will expose the outdated policies they’ve been clinging to? Whatever the reason, it’s a sad day when politicians let fear of progress keep them from embracing a cleaner, greener future.

Electric buses and trams aren’t just a fleeting trend; they’re the future of urban transportation. They reduce air pollution, decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, and offer a quieter, smoother ride. And yet, here we are, with some of our leaders acting like Luddites, stuck in the past, afraid to take a ride on a tram that’s been part of Melbourne’s fabric for over a century.

So, #MichaeliaCash and #SussanLey, here’s a friendly piece of advice: next time you’re in Melbourne, hop on a tram. You might find that the sky doesn’t fall, the world doesn’t end, and you’ll actually be part of a movement towards a more sustainable future. After all, if Melbourne could figure it out in 1889, surely you can catch up in 2024.

Tags: EV, Renewables