Busways, the largest Australian-owned bus operator, is trialling speed limit geo-fencing on zero emissions buses at Penrith Depot to add another layer of safety control for its electric bus operations. The trial applies to Busways’ fleet of Volvo electric buses, and automatically limits vehicles to 10 kilometres per hour while operating inside the depot, before normal operation resumes on the road network.

Busways is already seeing positive early results from the trial, with the technology providing a practical control that supports drivers and reinforces safe yard speeds.

The trial also has a behavioural benefit, helping drivers stay aware of changing speed requirements across different zones.

Learnings from the trial will help inform how similar technology could be introduced across compatible depot environments and contribute to broader industry understanding and use of the technology.

Busways, Director, Assets, and Director, Safety, Chris Wolf, said the Penrith depot trial shows how operational knowledge and technology can work together to reduce risk.

“Speed geo-fencing is one of the many safety initiatives we are exploring as we continue to look for practical ways to use technology to address safety risks,” Wolf says.

“Analysis of industry and operational data shows many low-speed incidents occur in depot environments, making them an important focus area for risk reduction,” he explains.

“Electric buses provide new opportunities to apply technologies such as geo-fencing, allowing speed controls to be automatically activated in defined areas such as depots and interchanges.

“The Penrith trial builds on Busways’ broader approach to safety and zero emission bus integration, using real-world testing to gain insights and assessing for future and broader use,” he said.

Safety is a core focus at Busways with the company investing in practical initiatives that support safe journeys for passengers, employees, and the communities it serves, including driver training, depot safety controls, vehicle technology, and customer safety education.

“It is part of a long history of safety innovation at Busways, from introducing Australia’s first in-ground roller brake testers, to designing safer door handrails and three-quarter driver safety screens that have since become widely adopted across the bus industry,” Wolf added.