Zero Emission Buses is a multi-billion dollar program to transition the state’s 8,000 plus diesel and natural gas public transport buses to zero emissions technology. This transition delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and to provide more comfortable journeys and liveable places for our customers and communities.
The program will be delivered in stages to allow local industry time to prepare, and technology advancements to be assessed and adopted along the way. Under the Zero Emission Buses Transition Plan, the transition will be complete in Greater Sydney by 2035, in Outer Metropolitan regions by 2040, and in Regional NSW by 2047.
The first stage of the transition will begin in 2023 and will introduce 1,200 new electric buses for Greater Sydney customers by 2028. As part of the first stage, 11 existing bus depots will be upgraded to support the new fleet and a new bus depot will be built in Macquarie Park.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and the Minister for Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin visited Brookvale Bus Depot in December – one of 11 depots across Greater Sydney to receive funding for an electric charging upgrades.
“This is a big-bucks investment in the next-generation of buses and proof that the Government is serious about Australian manufacturing,” Mr Elliott said.
“The release of $3 billion by the NSW Government will not only benefit the environment but will also provide a spark for local industry, including across Western Sydney where some of these buses are already being made.
“This major investment will make NSW a global leader and will also deliver benefits to the local economy by supporting over 1,400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.”
More than 1,200 new buses will be manufactured under the ZEBS program as part of a plan to eventually replace the entire fleet with electric vehicles.
The funding will also allow 11 existing depots across Sydney to be converted for electric charging and a new depot constructed at Macquarie Park.
Mr Griffin said the NSW Government’s investment decision is a win for the environment and for commuters.
“Transitioning the entire fleet of buses will reduce emissions from the State’s public transport network by 78%, reduce noise on the streets, improve air quality and ensure our commuters enjoy a smoother ride,” Mr Griffin said.
“Brookvale Bus Depot is one of 11 depots receiving a significant funding boost to upgrade its electric charging infrastructure.”
The key conversions will occur at bus depots in Leichhardt, Tempe, South Granville, Kingsgrove, Menai, Taren Point, Port Botany, Willoughby, Randwick, North Sydney and Brookvale.
The NSW Government will transition the entire 8,000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions technology by 2035 in Greater Sydney, Outer Metro regions by 2040 and regional NSW by 2047.
The Government is already operating Australia’s largest Zero Emission Bus fleet, with more than 100 buses currently in service. This funding will build on that record.
