More zero emission buses for NSW

The NSW Government has approved $3 billion to fund the next stage of its Zero Emission Buses (ZEBS) plan and new charging infrastructure.

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.

Minister for Transport David Elliott and the Minister for Environment James Griffin visited Brookvale Bus Depot – one of 11 depots across Greater Sydney to receive funding for a electric charging upgrades.

Elliott said: “This is a big-bucks investment in the next-generation of buses and proof that the Government is serious about Australian manufacturing.

“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.”

The investment will support over 1,400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.

Griffin said transitioning the fleet of buses would reduce emissions from the state’s public transport network by 78 percent, reduce noise on the streets, improve air quality and ensure commuters enjoy a smoother ride.

Griffin said: “Brookvale Bus Depot is one of 11 depots receiving a significant funding boost to upgrade its electric charging infrastructure.”

The 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 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 100 e-buses currently in service.

Picture: transport.nsw.gov.au