The switch to electric buses for the state's 8000-strong bus fleet is an important step closer, with the first conversion of a major Sydney depot to battery electric fast-charging technology.
Brookvale is the first of Sydney's 11 bus depots to be fitted out for the change, with Australia's first gantry-mounted fast-charging station now installed.
The new gantry-mounted system offers higher charging power and shorter charge times, with the ability to recharge a bus in as little as 20 minutes to one hour.
By 2028, the fleet of diesel buses at Brookvale will have been replaced with battery electric buses.
Leichhardt and Kingsgrove are expected to have electric bus charging technology installed in 2026, while a new, custom-built electric depot is also planned for Macquarie Park.
Each electric bus can travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, providing quieter, smoother and cleaner public transport that will progressively replace the entire diesel and gas fleet in Sydney over the coming decade.
The $25 million conversion of Brookvale includes the installation of 13 pantograph charging positions and ten plug-in chargers, which will accommodate 229 electric buses at Brookvale.
Brookvale depot's electricity supply is planned to be powered by renewable energy and a new 250kW rooftop solar system is now covering operational needs like lighting.
Currently, there are 13 electric buses operating out of Brookvale, with all diesel buses to be replaced by 2028.
The NSW Government's Zero Emission Buses Stage 1 program is delivering depot conversions, the new depot at Macquarie Park, the purchase of 1,200 new electric buses and $25 million for regional trials.
The Zero Emission Buses program is building up local manufacturing in bus production, with a minimum 50% local content from 2027.
Premier of New South WalesChris Minns said:
"We are building a better bus system for NSW, with the Northern Beaches leading the way.
"This is a win for passengers, drivers and the environment - cleaner and quieter buses powered at depots with modern technology."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Brookvale bus depot is the new benchmark in the move battery electric buses and passengers across Sydney can look forward to the revolution coming their way as we progressively fit out other depots over time.
"The Northern Beaches experienced the worst of the bus driver shortage that built up under the Liberals and also lost high-capacity bendy buses when they had to be withdrawn from service for body work. Bus passengers here can look forward to a brighter, all-electric future."
Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:
"We are so proud that the first bus depot going electric is right here on the Northern Beaches.
"Today is a momentous day. The greener, cleaner future of bus transport for Sydney has arrived - right here in Brookvale. The people of the Northern Beaches are the winners - less pollution, less noise, more brand-new buses hitting the network."
Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:
"This is one of the biggest investments in buses for the Northern Beaches in recent years. Coming off the back of a bus crisis - this investment in cleaner, quieter and more reliable services is a huge win for our community."
"Pittwater wants climate action and Transport is one of the biggest contributors to emissions in NSW. We're the beneficiaries of innovation - lowering emissions and adding new electric buses to our network, delivering better services on the Northern Beaches."
