By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
AUSTRALIA‘S first electric tourist shuttle has launched at Queenscliff.
The six-seat Bongo Transit will service 400,000 Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry passengers annually.
Bongo Transit’s Greg Jones said the shuttle would provide a “hop on, hop off” service between the ferry terminal and both town centres.
Mr Jones and business partner Philip Luchetta discovered the Bongo while travelling in Europe and Asia.
“We’d seen the need for some form of easy, environmentally-friendly transport to carry ferry foot passengers from the terminal into two of Victoria’s favourite tourism towns,” Mr Jones said.
“When we came across the European-style Bongo tricar, known as the tuk tuk, we knew it could do the trick.
“Over the past four years we’ve worked with the Dutch designer, the Thai manufacturer and Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to perfect a super-safe, zero-emission electric version that we named Bongo.”
Mr Jones said the shuttle service was creating jobs, with more than 40 local people trained and licensed to drive the unique vehicles.
“We expect the service will lead to benefits for business operators in Queenscliff and Sorrento, with more people being able transit from the ferry terminal to the retail centres – and it is all happening while protecting the environment.”
Mr Luchetta said Bongo was the only vehicle of its type able to be registered in Australia.
“Our easily accessed transport system, known as Community Connect, will provide a short-distance service for councils, resort owners and tourists alike. It will open up key commercial and tourism precincts in Australia and New Zealand.”
