NSW Government local manufacturing target exceeded with new buses

The NSW Government has announced the purchase of 151 more battery electric buses.

In doing so, it will surpass its 50% target for local manufacturing content: the buses will be delivered by Australian bus manufacturers, including Custom Denning based in St Marys in Western Sydney. The new electric buses will go to the Leichardt and Kingsgrove bus depots that are being converted for the future, sustainable fleet.

The plan is that over the long term, the Zero Emission Buses program will transition NSW’s 8000-plus diesel and gas buses to zero emissions vehicles. Eleven existing Sydney bus depots are being converted, with a new battery electric depot being built at Macquarie Park as part of the expansion.

There are more than 220 battery electric buses already in operation in Greater Sydney, including three in Newcastle, with around 1700 battery electric buses anticipated to be in service on Sydney roads by 2028.

“The build-up of zero emission buses is happening in a staged and sustainable way, with the obvious benefits for the environment and air quality complemented by enhanced passenger comfort levels on these quieter, smoother buses,” said NSW Minister for Transport John Graham.