10 electric buses to be bought for Randwick Bus Depot

The State Government will spend $10 million converting Randwick Bus Depot into a fully-electric operation, starting with 10 new electric buses to be rolled out over the next two years.

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Plans to turn Randwick Bus Depot into a fully electric facility have been revealed by the State Government.

Randwick’s transition should begin this year, starting with 10 electric buses to be rolled out over the next two years.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced today the State Government would spend $10 million to buy a fleet of electric buses for Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“We want to transition the Randwick Bus Depot to full electric operations, and this initial investment of 10 electric buses and associated infrastructure, such as charging ports, will help start the process,” Mr Constance said.

State Transport Minister Andrew Constance is seen inspecting the new Station Link bus services during the Epping to Chatswood rail closure at Epping Station. Picture: AAP Image/Ben Rushton

The commitment follows the release of the government’s Electric and Hybrid Vehicle plan earlier this year.

Randwick’s 10 vehicles would be a significant increase on the electric fleet currently on NSW roads.

There is one electric bus running from Bomaderry to Kiama via Nowra, four in the Inner West and several operating at Sydney Airport.

Coogee state Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith said the new vehicles would create a “smoother, quieter” ride.

A Sydney bus driving Eastern Distributor and Anzac Parade. Picture: Image / Monique Harmer

“Electric vehicles offer significant economic and environmental benefits as well as contributing to a modern and cleaner energy future,” Mr Notley-Smith said.

“Our community loves the local bus network, which is why are restoring the 378.

“To see the NSW Liberals and Nationals roll out electric buses here is fantastic news for our residents and the environment.”

The buses will be procured this year and introduced via Randwick’s depot over the next two years.

Mr Constance announced in January the government would spend $3 million on fast-charging ports on major regional corridors and $2 million on charger ports in commuter carparks.