Sydney’s bus electrification effort is being expanded under the NSW Government’s New Electric Bus Program, which builds on the former Zero Emission Buses Program. The current program is a $6.5 billion, 10-year investment to supply thousands of electric buses and the depot infrastructure needed to operate them. 1
The work is led by Transport for NSW in partnership with bus operators, manufacturers, infrastructure and technology suppliers, training providers and other industry partners. Its infrastructure plan includes converting 17 existing depots and building five new electric bus depots, including sites at Macquarie Park, in Western Sydney and at the Aerotropolis. 1 The Macquarie Park depot is planned to serve around 150 battery-electric buses and routes linking the lower North Shore and north-western suburbs. 10
The transition is already under way. In August 2025, the NSW Government reported more than 220 battery-electric buses operating in Greater Sydney, including three in Newcastle, and anticipated around 1,700 on Sydney roads by 2028. 2 Brookvale depot was reported completed in 2025, while work or planning continued at other Greater Sydney depots. 3
The program also sets an industrial and social agenda alongside fleet replacement. It targets 50 per cent local content in fleet procurement and aims to create opportunities for local businesses, workers and suppliers. 1 The government says the broader transition is intended to support its net-zero emissions commitment for 2050, while improving bus comfort, accessibility and reliability. 1 The available sources describe a staged program rather than a single launch date or named individual founder; they identify Transport for NSW and the NSW Government as the principal public organisations responsible. 15