151 battery electric buses announced for NSW

Transit Systems has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of 151 new battery electric buses, marking another decisive step towards a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable public transport future for Sydney.

The order surpasses the state government’s 50% local manufacturing target and supports skilled jobs.

The latest investment lifts the number of new buses purchased since the March 2023 election to 921. The buses will be built by Australian manufacturers, including Custom Denning and Volgren Australia.

“This latest investment in new buses has us on an express route to 1000 new buses since Labor came to government,” said Minister for Transport John Graham. “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.”

Delivery will be staged across Transit Systems depots in Leichhardt and Kingsgrove, which are undergoing major upgrades to accommodate the future fleet.

By 2028, approximately 1700 electric buses are expected to be operating on Sydney’s roads, delivering tangible benefits for passengers and the environment.

“The scale of this order demonstrates the state government’s commitment to a sustainable transport future, while also supporting local jobs and Australian manufacturing,” said Rino Matarazzo, Managing Director Transit Systems NSW. “For customers, it means more of the smooth, quiet and comfortable journeys they have already begun to experience on our existing electric fleet.

“For the community, it means cleaner air and significant progress in reducing emissions from public transport. Transit Systems is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

Image caption: NSW battery electric bus fleet. Image supplied by Transit Systems.