The NSW Government is charging ahead with its transition from diesel to electric buses with the approval of $3 billion to fund the next stage of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBS) and new charging infrastructure.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and the Minister for Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin visited Brookvale Bus Depot today – 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 1400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.”
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More than 1200 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 8000 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.
