Busways has reached a major milestone in its transition to electric buses, with more than half of the fleet operating from its Penrith depot now running as battery electric buses following a significant infrastructure upgrade.

The milestone was marked last week when NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Transport John Graham visited the depot to announce 5 July 2026 as the start date for new bus services in Western Sydney, ahead of the airport’s opening later this year.

Funded by Transport for NSW’s New Bus Services for Western Sydney program, the project has transitioned the Penrith depot into large-scale electric bus operations while maintaining uninterrupted services throughout construction.

The works included installation of high-capacity charging infrastructure and commissioning of 22 additional battery-electric buses. The depot now operates 55 electric buses in total, enabling more than half of services from Penrith to run using electric buses.

18 of these vehicles will be allocated to the new airport routes, which will operate every 30 minutes between 5am and 10pm, seven days a week, connecting Western Sydney communities with the new airport from July and supporting NSW Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Busways CEO Will O’Neill thanked the NSW Government for its investment through the New Bus Services for Western Sydney program, which is supporting improved bus services for Western Sydney’s growing communities and will also provide connections to the new Western Sydney International Airport. 

“Busways has grown alongside this region for more than 80 years, so it’s exciting to see continued NSW Government investment improving public transport for the community,” O’Neill said.

“Busways’ Penrith depot 50% electric milestone marks a shift to large-scale electric bus services. Important to us as being Australian-owned, the new infrastructure was built by Western Sydney for Western Sydney, using 100% local contractors and supporting around 150 local jobs,” he said.

“Projects like this show what it takes to deliver electric bus services at scale for government while keeping communities moving every day. We are proud to play a practical role in helping governments deliver the next generation of bus services.”

Busways Director of Assets and Safety Chris Wolf said the upgrade demonstrates the capability required to integrate large-scale electric bus operations into a working depot environment.

“Delivering this transition while maintaining day-to-day services required close coordination between Busways, Transport for NSW and Endeavour Energy, with careful planning, sequencing and operational integration so the depot could keep running while being transformed,” Wolf said.

“For a custom-built depot that has served Penrith and surrounding suburbs for 15 years, passing the 50 per cent electric milestone marks a significant shift from early trials to reliable, large-scale electric operations," he said.

“The result is infrastructure built for everyday operations and future growth, delivering more services, quieter rides and smoother acceleration  for customers across Penrith and surrounding communities.”

With the 50% Penrith Depot upgrade phase complete, the depot is now positioned for further electrification, with additional grid capacity already planned as part of the next stage.

Busways will continue working in partnership with Transport for NSW as the Penrith depot progresses toward a fully electric fleet.

By 2028, approximately 1700 electric buses are expected to be operating on Sydney’s roads, delivering tangible benefits for passengers and the environment.

Premier Chris Minns said: “These new bus routes are about making sure Western Sydney communities are properly connected to the new airport and the economic opportunities it will create.

“We know there’s more work to do, but projects like this are part of a clear plan to build the infrastructure our communities need and make sure Western Sydney shares in the opportunities of the future.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said: “Whether it’s taking up a new job at the new airport or travelling to work anywhere along these routes, these buses will connect the people of Western Sydney to new economic opportunities with a cost-effective convenient transport option.”