Busways has started operating two new electric bus routes in Western Sydney, marking another step in its long-term partnership with Transport for NSW to deliver practical public transport improvements for growing communities.

Routes 772 and 790 started on Sunday, 5 July and are operated by Busways from Busways Penrith Depot.  As Transport for NSW’s operating partner, Busways has supported the operational planning needed to bring the new routes into daily service. This includes preparing the fleet, depot systems, charging infrastructure, driver resources and day-to-day operations needed to support safe and reliable electric bus services.

The commencement of the new services was marked at Liverpool Interchange, where Minister for Transport John Graham, Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray, Will O’Neill, CEO Busways, and local members of parliament from Campbelltown, Leppington and Liverpool visited to recognise the start of the rollout.

Busways has recruited an additional 22 drivers to support the growth service, with dedicated electric buses operating on the two routes every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm.

The collaboration reflects the practical role operators play in turning the government's transport planning into services customers can use, from driver recruitment and depot readiness to charging operations and daily service delivery.

Minister for Transport John Graham said “These services will connect hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney residents with the new airport, months before it opens for passenger services.”

“Some of these communities have never had decent public transport. These services will change people’s lives by giving them regular connection to train stations, jobs, health service and the new Western Sydney International Airport.”

Busways Chief Executive Officer, Will O’Neill, said the launch showed what practical partnership between government and operators can deliver for customers.

“Today we are welcoming a new era of transport for Western Sydney, connecting communities like never before,” Mr O’Neill said.

“As the largest Australian-owned bus operator, Busways operates around 20 percent of Sydney bus services,” Mr O’Neill said. “For 84 years, Busways has proudly served Western Sydney communities and seen first-hand how important bus services are to local communities. Routes 772 and 790 provide direct public transport links to the growing Western Sydney International Airport precinct and surrounding employment centres.

“These services are supported by our new electric bus fleet and infrastructure at the Penrith depot, helping build a more sustainable transport network for the future.”

Busways Penrith depot now operates 58 electric buses on Western Sydney routes, about 50% of the services. Further infrastructure upgrades are continuing to increase charging capacity and support more electric buses, as Busways works towards a fully zero emission bus fleet at the Penrith depot.

Busways is also supporting customers through the return of route 52 between Parramatta, Ryde, and the Sydney central business district. Operated by Busways in the North Shore and West region, the service replaces route 500X and restores the former M52 corridor with a 24-hour limited-stop connection via Victoria Road.

Busways will continue working with the New South Wales Government and Transport for NSW to provide safe, reliable and customer-focused bus services as Western Sydney grows and the fleet transition continues.