Busways is collaborating with Transport for New South Wales to establish the first purpose-built battery electric bus depot in one of Sydney’s busiest centres at Macquarie Park.

Concept design is underway on the $115 million investment in a zero emissions depot that will transform a former factory site into a state-of-the-art depot for 165 electric buses.

Construction is set to begin early next year and complete by the end of 2027, with Busways actively contributing to the project development and operating the depot once live.

The new depot will house a fleet of about 165 electric buses, improving public transport services to the lower North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Sydney, extending to Chatswood and Parramatta.

Busways will operate the new depot which features robust battery charging infrastructure and an underground car park with around 150 spaces for employees, with a widening of Pittwater Road to facilitate bus access to and from the depot.

Chris Wolf, head of the ZEB transition program at Busways, said Busways was partnering closely with Transport for NSW to support design and development.

“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 optimisation technology. 

“We’re inputting our knowledge from these projects to ensure the new depot’s design is ultra efficient and has strong amenities to support and attract employees to deliver robust zero emissions services to the community.”

“The new Macquarie Park electric bus depot will set a new benchmark for Zero Emission Bus adoption in Australia. It will be Transport's first purpose built electric depot, with plans to convert more depots to electric fleets in the coming years."

This ambitious plan highlights the NSW government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner, sustainable future for public transport.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Transport Minister Jo Haylen, said the government was committed to rolling out electric buses and charging infrastructure because passengers across Sydney wanted 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 said.

The move is part of the NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses Program aimed at transitioning the State’s 8,000 plus diesel and compressed natural gas buses to zero emissions technology by 2047. This project represents a major step toward sustainable public transport.