The Minns Labor Government has committed to purchasing 151 additional battery electric buses, continuing the state’s transition to a zero-emission public transport fleet in Sydney.
The latest order brings the total number of new buses acquired since the March 2023 election to 921, highlighting a sharp policy contrast to the previous government, which had paused new bus acquisitions for two years.
Local manufacturing focus
The government confirmed the new buses will exceed its 50 per cent local content target, with Australian suppliers including Custom Denning in St Marys, Western Sydney. This supports jobs while building long-term domestic manufacturing capability.
Deployment will be concentrated at the Leichhardt and Kingsgrove depots, which are being upgraded to support battery-electric operations. Across Greater Sydney, 11 depots are currently being converted, with a purpose-built electric depot at Macquarie Park also underway.
A long-term plan for electrification
The Zero Emission Buses program will progressively replace NSW’s 8,000-plus diesel and gas buses. To date, 220 electric buses are already in service across Sydney and Newcastle, with the government targeting around 1,700 in operation by 2028.
For fleet managers, the approach provides a clear example of how large-scale electrification can be staged:
- Depot readiness and charging infrastructure are prioritised alongside vehicle roll-outs.
- Partnerships with local industry help secure capability and supply chain resilience.
- Passenger experience is being enhanced with quieter, smoother buses that also reduce emissions.
Tackling workforce shortages
The government also pointed to progress in addressing the bus driver shortage, which had peaked at more than 500 vacancies. Through recruitment and training initiatives, vacancies have been cut to 125 as of late August.
Minister’s comments
Transport Minister John Graham said the staged investment balances sustainability with reliable service delivery.
“This latest investment in new buses has us on an express route to 1,000 new buses since Labor came to government,” Graham said.
“The build-up of zero emission buses is happening in a staged and sustainable way, with obvious benefits for the environment and air quality complemented by enhanced passenger comfort levels.”
