Perth’s Largest Electric Bus Depot Opens
The new depot is the fourth Transperth facility to feature charging infrastructure for electric buses, following the Elizabeth Quay bus station and the depots in Malaga and Karrinyup. As a result of this initiative, twenty electric buses are now in service in the Bayswater area—part of Transperth’s broader transition toward phasing out diesel-powered vehicles across its public transport network. The facility has undergone several upgrades, including the construction of a new administration building, a workshop, a wash bay, a depot yard, parking areas for both buses and staff, and other supporting infrastructure.
This opening comes at a pivotal moment for Transperth, which has reached a major milestone by putting more than 200 locally manufactured electric buses into service across Perth’s network. These vehicles are built at the Volgren facility in Malaga, Western Australia. The last diesel bus was produced at this site over a year ago; since then, every new bus manufactured has been electric. Furthermore, the fleet reached a significant milestone on November 2nd with the introduction of Australia’s first locally manufactured articulated electric bus for passenger transport. A second articulated electric bus is expected to enter service from the Karrinyup depot within the next few weeks.
The Bayswater project is part of a joint initiative—backed by the Australian federal government and the government of Western Australia—with a total investment of 250 million Australian dollars (approximately 143 million euros). The initiative aims to phase out diesel buses and install charging infrastructure throughout the city of Perth. To date, the program has delivered an initial batch of 130 electric buses, along with the necessary upgrades to bus depots and charging equipment.
Work is also underway at the Jandakot depot, where electrical infrastructure has been completed and the installation of chargers is now in progress. A total of 41 dual chargers—capable of supporting 82 electric buses—are set to be received, with all equipment expected to be operational by mid-2027. Furthermore, additional upgrades are being planned for the Welshpool, Joondalup, and Claisebrook depots to enhance efficiency and optimize the services provided.
Catherine King, Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, stated: "Labor governments in Australia and the Cook Islands are working together to transition the Transperth bus network to zero-emissions operations. Australia’s transport sector accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing charging infrastructure for electric buses, we are reducing exhaust pollution and operational noise, which helps improve air quality in our cities. The development of the Bayswater depot provides a sustainable public transport alternative for Perth."
