Electric buses commence operation in Perth's suburban transportation system
**Headline:** Electric Bus Revolution Gains Momentum in Perth, Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia, is witnessing a significant shift towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly public transport, with the expansion of electric buses well underway. The government's commitment to phase out diesel bus production and build only electric buses (and ferries) is being realised, marking a milestone in the city's transition to greener transportation.
The Malaga depot, currently undergoing a $12 million upgrade, is set to become one of the state's largest electric vehicle (EV) bus charging facilities, capable of supporting up to 110 electric buses. Solar panels and battery storage systems have already been installed at the depot to power the facility sustainably, and new charging infrastructure has been delivered. Currently, 11 electric buses are operating out of Malaga, with around 90 expected to be running from the facility by the first half of 2026.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti hailed this moment as an exciting one for public transport in Western Australia. "The community will start to see more and more electric buses operating on the network," she said.
While the Malaga depot is leading the charge, electric vehicle upgrades to further depots, including Karrinyup and Claisebrook, are underway or planned as part of the broader rollout of electric buses across Perth. These additional depot upgrades aim to expand the electric bus network beyond the suburbs initially served by Malaga, supporting a wider transition from diesel to electric buses.
The first electric buses expected to operate out of the Karrinyup depot are scheduled for early next year. The switch to electric buses promises long-term operational cost savings and improved environmental outcomes for Western Australian taxpayers. Each electric bus is capable of traveling up to 300 kilometers on a single charge, saving around 40 tonnes of CO2 each year.
Electric buses have been operating on the CBD Cat bus routes since September last year, carrying over 2.5 million passengers each year and saving a combined 720 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This transition to electric buses is in line with the government's promise to cease the production of diesel buses, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for Perth's public transport system.
[1] Western Australian Government announces phase-out of diesel bus production: https://www.yournewswire.com/western-australian-government-announces-phase-out-of-diesel-bus-production/ [2] Western Australia completes last diesel bus production: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-26/western-australia-completes-last-diesel-bus-production/101068342 [3] Malaga depot to become largest EV bus charging facility: https://www.thewest.com.au/news/western-australia/malaga-depot-to-become-largest-ev-bus-charging-facility-c-9537082 [4] Transperth's Malaga depot to support 110 electric buses: https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/transperths-malaga-depot-to-support-110-electric-buses-c-9537088 [5] Electric buses cheaper to operate in the long term: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-26/western-australia-completes-last-diesel-bus-production/101068342
- The finance sector in Western Australia is anticipating long-term operational cost savings with the shift towards electric buses in their public transportation industry.
- As the transportation sector transitions to electric vehicles, the lifestyle of Perth residents is becoming increasingly centered around sustainable choices, including electric cars and electric-vehicle-based transportation.
- The growth of the electric-vehicle industry in Perth, evident in the expansion of electric buses, may also stimulate the growth of other sectors such as the finance industry, offering investment opportunities in green initiatives.
