If you’ve ever waited for a bus in the city only to be left choking on a plume of diesel fumes, your ride is about to get a whole lot sweeter (and cleaner).
In the wake of Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment (which offered up some pretty stark projections of our future livelihood), the NSW Government is helping Sydney operate more sustainably with the introduction of the first-ever electric bus depot in New South Wales.
The Brookvale depot has recently opened with powerful technology to charge a planned fleet of 229 buses, with 13 electric buses currently operating out of the Northern Beaches base. By 2028, it’s estimated that Brooky’s existing fleet of diesel buses will be completely replaced with battery-electric buses. This comes as the state moves towards converting its 8,000 diesel buses to electric vehicles.
The depot is an impressive hub, with the capability to charge an electric bus in as little as 20 minutes using one of 13 pantograph charging positions or one of ten plug-in chargers.
RELATED READ: Check out our guide to Sydney's public transport.
The charging stations are backed by a 250kW solar system that helps feed electricity through to the site – A+ for sustainability!
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the $25 million electric bus depot is a positive step forward in helping the state move towards reaching its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
“This is a win for passengers, drivers and the environment – cleaner and quieter buses powered at depots with modern technology,” he said.
And Brookvale is just the beginning, with depots in Leichhardt and Kingsgrove currently undergoing electric conversions, with plans to be finished by 2026.
Back in August, NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said the government is making moves towards helping the state run more sustainably.
“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,” he said.
We’re all aboard that idea.
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