The Western Australian Government has marked a major public transport milestone with the delivery of its 100th electric bus, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to safe, reliable and lower-emissions public transport across greater Perth.
The handover took place on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at Truck Centre WA’s newly upgraded bus facility in Kewdale, bringing together representatives from the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), Volvo Bus Australia, Volgren and key government stakeholders.
The milestone vehicle forms part of the PTA’s long-term supply agreement with Volvo, reflecting a structured and staged approach to fleet renewal. Rather than a rapid technology shift, the program has focused on gradually integrating electric buses into day-to-day operations, supported by planning around routes, depot infrastructure and operational safety.
Among those attending the event were the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, WA Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Transport; Martin Merrick, President of Volvo Group Australia; Mitch Peden, General Manager of Volvo Bus Australia; and senior representatives from the PTA, including Peter Jones, Executive Director Transperth Regional and School Bus Services, and Paul Burke, Fleet Manager.
Since introducing its first Volvo electric buses, the PTA has worked closely with Volvo to move from initial trials to large-scale deployment. This has included detailed assessments of route suitability, charging requirements and depot operations to ensure the electric fleet can be integrated without compromising service reliability.
According to Volvo Bus Australia General Manager Mitch Peden, the milestone is less about vehicle numbers and more about partnership maturity. He said the program demonstrates a “measured, practical approach to electrification” that prioritises safety, operational performance and long-term value for the community.
A critical enabler of the program has been local support in Western Australia. Truck Centre WA’s Kewdale facility, recently renovated to support bus operations, plays a central role in servicing and maintaining the PTA’s Volvo fleet. The site provides specialist technical expertise, training and lifecycle support close to where the vehicles operate, helping to minimise downtime and support operational continuity.
The electric buses themselves are built on Volvo’s electric chassis platform and bodied locally by Volgren at its Malaga facility in Western Australia. The local body-building component supports domestic manufacturing capability while ensuring the vehicles are configured specifically for Perth’s operating environment.
From an operational perspective, the electric buses deliver quieter operation, smooth acceleration and reduced tailpipe emissions compared with conventional diesel buses. These characteristics provide benefits not only for passengers, but also for drivers, depot staff and communities along bus routes.
Safety remains a central focus of the program. The vehicles are designed and tested to meet stringent industry standards and are supported by comprehensive service and maintenance programs. Volvo’s connected vehicle systems also enable proactive maintenance planning and fleet optimisation, while operating within data security and governance frameworks appropriate for public transport fleets.
For the PTA, the delivery of the 100th electric bus represents another step in building a modern, resilient and sustainable public transport network for Perth. It also highlights how large-scale fleet electrification can be achieved through long-term planning, strong supplier partnerships and local support infrastructure.
As the transition continues, Volvo Bus Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PTA through ongoing collaboration, technical expertise and a long-term focus on safety, reliability and sustainability across Western Australia’s public transport network.
Jandakot depot prepares for electric buses
The Jandakot Transperth bus depot is set to become a major hub for electric buses, supporting the Cook Government’s long-term plan to phase out diesel buses across the network.
A $9.6 million contract has been awarded to JET Charge to install EV charging infrastructure capable of supporting up to 90 electric buses at the depot. Works are expected to begin early next year, with electric bus services operating from Jandakot from late 2026.
The upgrade will be the fifth Transperth site equipped with EV charging, following Elizabeth Quay Station and the Malaga and Karrinyup depots. Electric buses are already operating from Joondalup, Elizabeth Quay and Malaga, with services due to commence from Karrinyup in early 2026. Work is also underway on a new EV bus depot in Bayswater, with plans to upgrade Claisebrook.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said depot upgrades are central to the long-term transition.
“Converting bus depots across Perth’s suburbs is essential as we phase out diesel buses from our public transport network over the coming two decades,” she said.
“This is all part of our government’s commitment to reshaping public transport in WA by fully transitioning to a locally-made electric bus fleet.”
Jandakot MLA Stephen Pratt said the investment would deliver benefits for the local community.
“This $9.6 million investment will ensure the Jandakot bus depot is modernised to help lower emissions across the network and provide an even better service to our growing community.”
The $250 million electric bus program, jointly funded by the WA and Commonwealth Governments, will replace 130 diesel and CNG buses with electric buses by mid-2026, with each vehicle capable of travelling up to 300km per charge and saving around 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
