Busways, in collaboration with Transport for New South Wales (NSW), is embarking on a groundbreaking project to create a purpose-built battery electric bus depot in Macquarie Park, one of Sydney’s busiest centers. The initiative aims to transform a former factory site into a state-of-the-art facility for 165 electric buses, representing an investment of AUD 115 million. Construction is scheduled to commence early next year, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
Busways, a major bus services provider in Western Sydney, North Shore, and West, currently operates bus service contracts that include Transport for NSW. The company is actively involved in the project’s development and will manage the electric bus depot once operational.
Chris Wolf, head of the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) transition program at Busways, emphasized the company’s close partnership with Transport for NSW in supporting the design and development of the depot. “We’ve already designed and built five brand new bus depots in Sydney and are operating 18 ZEBs in our Penrith Depot, plus running a ZEB testing program and contributing to the development of Australian-built charging optimization technology,” he stated.
Wolf highlighted that the knowledge gained from these projects ensures that the new depot will be “ultra-efficient and have strong amenities to support and attract employees to deliver robust zero emissions services to the community.”
The initiative aligns with the NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses Program, launched in 2019, which aims to transition the entire bus fleet of over 8000 buses to zero emissions technology by 2035 in Greater Sydney, by 2040 in Outer Metro regions, and by 2047 in regional NSW.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen expressed the government’s commitment to the rollout of electric buses and charging infrastructure, noting that passengers across Sydney are eager for a smoother ride on quieter, more sustainable modern vehicles. “This isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint – it’s also about creating a more enjoyable passenger experience for everyone,” she emphasized.
The Macquarie Park electric bus charging depot represents a significant step forward in Sydney’s journey towards sustainable urban transport and underscores the NSW Government’s dedication to achieving its emissions reduction goals in the transport sector.
