As publicised by Brisbane City Council on Sunday, 24 November, 2019, it will introduce a new fleet of 60 high-capacity Brisbane Metro vehicles. The Metro vehicles will integrate seamlessly into busway operations and share the busway with existing bus services, as part of a better planned network, the council claims.

Following an extensive tender process, the council is recommending "world-leading vehicle manufacturer HESS", in partnership with Brisbane-based supplier Volgren, and "electric infrastructure experts" ABB, to design and build the Brisbane Metro vehicle fleet, it states.

According to the council, Hess and its project partners will deliver a zero-tailpipe-emission, battery-electric fleet of vehicles with state-of-the-art, flash-charging infrastructure.

For commuters to better realize what the whole system would function and look like, the council has released a new video of the electric Metro vehicles, showing the design and key features.

The Metro vehicles will be an Australian-first, using proven European technology that will help future-proof Brisbane’s public transport network, council confirms.

Each vehicle will be 24.4 metres in length and 2.55 metres wide, with the capacity to carry 150 passengers in comfort and 180 passengers in event mode, it states.

Initially, HESS and its partners will design and build a pilot Metro vehicle, which will be extensively tested in Brisbane, it’s reported. It is expected to be ready for testing in 2020.

Following the successful trial of the pilot vehicle, the council will have the option to purchase 59 additional Metro vehicles, with services expected to commence late 2023, subject to approvals, it clarifies.

"This is an absolute game changer," said Brisbane City Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

"I think the people of Brisbane will be very excited about these vehicles, and proud that their city is taking a positive step to cut vehicle pollution.

"The tender process produced some cutting-edge thinking from the bidders, meaning we will have a near-silent, fully electric transport system."