Busways powers Zero Emissions Bus transition with Penrith Depot upgrades for Western Sydney Airport services
Busways, the largest Australian-owned bus operator, has been chosen to deliver a critical new bus service linking key Western Sydney hubs, including Penrith and Mount Druitt, to the Bradfield City Centre and the new Western Sydney International Airport.
Under an extension to Greater Sydney Bus Contract 1 (GSBC1), Busways will operate 18 additional zero emission buses (ZEBs) on new weekly services from Busways Penrith Depot, doubling the size of the depot’s ZEB fleet and reinforcing Busways’ commitment to ZEB integration.
Busways Head of Assets & Safety, Chris Wolf, said preparations were well underway for depot upgrades to support integration of the new ZEBs into service.
“These new Penrith ZEBs are another significant milestone as Busways works with Transport for NSW to plan for the full electrification of Busways Penrith Depot and prepares to operate Transport for NSW purpose-built all electric bus depot in Macquarie Park.
“We’re working very closely across the board with Transport for NSW to help achieve the NSW Government’s zero emissions goals and we look forward to playing a vital role in supporting Western Sydney’s transport needs and contributing to the success of the transformative Western Sydney Airport project.”
“We’ve already ordered a new 1.5MVA transformer to increase power capacity at Penrith Depot, as well as extra electric chargers, and advancing plans for depot expansion to accommodate the growing ZEB fleet,” Mr Wolf said.
“We’re on track to complete these depot upgrades next year, well in time to get these services underway once the bus order arrives,” he said.
The new buses were included in today’s announcement by Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins of 319 new ZEBs as part of the first stage of the ZEB Program for Greater Sydney.
Stage 1 of the ZEB Program will see Transport for NSW invest almost $3 billion to convert and build depots across the region, purchase around 1,500 new electric buses and invest $25 million for regional trials in new and emerging technologies.
Under the first stage of the ZEB Program, Transport said it will build a new electric bus depot at Macquarie Park and convert 11 existing bus depots to 100% battery electric bus operations, including Busways’ Penrith depot. A further four bus depots will be partially converted.
See Transport for NSWs announcements: