The New South Wales Government (NSW) will invest $6.5 billion over the next decade to purchase at least 1,700 electric buses and build or upgrade 17 bus depots as part of its transition to zero-emission public transport.
The funding was announced in the state’s latest budget and will support the continued rollout of electric buses across the public transport network, alongside the development of charging infrastructure needed to operate and maintain the growing fleet.
The investment forms part of the government’s broader Zero Emission Buses program, which aims to replace NSW’s fleet of more than 8,000 diesel and gas-powered public transport buses with zero-emission alternatives.
Fleet expansion and depot upgrades
Under the plan, the state will procure at least 1,700 new electric buses over the next 10 years while building and upgrading 17 depots to support vehicle charging and operations.
The government said the investment would help reduce reliance on imported fuels while supporting local bus manufacturing and associated supply chains.
Electric bus deployment has been underway for several years, with the transition accelerating since 2023. As of August 2025, more than 220 electric buses were operating across the network, while the government had ordered a further 921 vehicles since the March 2023 election.
Charging network continues to grow
Alongside vehicle procurement, New South Wales has been progressively upgrading its depot network to accommodate electric bus operations.
In September 2025, the Brookvale depot became the first of Sydney’s 11 bus depots to be converted for electric bus charging. The site is supported by renewable electricity generation, including a 250kW rooftop solar system designed to meet its operational energy requirements.
The state has also commenced construction of Sydney’s first purpose-built electric bus depot at Macquarie Park.
Located in Sydney’s north, the facility is expected to accommodate and charge up to 150 electric buses and will feature both 75kW and 150kW charging infrastructure. The depot is also expected to support approximately 160 jobs, including drivers, maintenance personnel and administrative staff.
Additional transport measures announced
The electric bus funding package was announced alongside a broader transport affordability initiative included in the state budget.
The $561.4 million package includes:
- A $100 reduction in private vehicle registration costs
- A reduction in the weekly toll cap to $50
- A freeze on public transport fare increases
The government said the measures are intended to reduce transport costs for households while continuing to invest in public transport infrastructure and fleet modernisation.
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