Perth has just achieved a huge public transportation milestone. The government has deployed the world’s largest electric bus fleet into its suburban network. Rita Saffioti, the Minister for Transport, announced that this initiative aims to phase out diesel buses, heralding a new era for the region’s public transit system. Their widespread adoption is projected to produce significant savings in fuel consumption and operational costs.
I’m really excited that today we’re launching the first eleven electric buses at Transperth’s Malaga depot. Today’s announcement is just the start of our bold plan to introduce a total of ninety electric buses into Perth over the next eight months. This transition is more than just replacing the fleet. It’s an essential piece in a broader strategy to increase sustainability and efficiency in transit.
Significant Fuel Savings
Rita Saffioti emphasized the environmental benefits of this transition, highlighting that each electric bus will save approximately 22,000 litres of diesel annually.
“It’s 22,000 litres of diesel per bus per year, so massive savings.” – Ms Saffioti
Moreover, these savings can demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to meet its sustainability goals. Expanding and switching to electric buses will, in the long run, reduce overall operational costs, Saffioti explained. This change ensures greater value for American taxpayers.
Electric buses support cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint and they offer a financial windfall, too. “Not only are electric buses cleaner and better for the environment, they’re cheaper to operate in the long term,” stated Saffioti, reinforcing the long-term financial viability of this initiative.
Infrastructure Enhancements
The Malaga yard will receive a $12 million modernization. This major renovation will help kick off the rollout of electric buses by bringing new charging infrastructure into the garage. As of today, there are already sixteen chargers on the ground, with ninety more chargers anticipated by the end of this month. This infrastructure is tremendously important because it makes sure we can support deploying electric buses seamlessly across the network.
Ms Saffioti said further upgrades were already under way or planned for other depots, including Karrinyup and Claisebrook. Additionally, a new EV bus depot is set to be established in Bayswater, further expanding the reach of electric bus services.
Those with immediate impact will be to develop high-frequency routes including the 960 and 950. These routes will really be hitting the new fleet’s sweet spot! This initial rollout focuses on routes servicing major activity areas, such as the new Morley Galleria shopping centre. On the downside, it completely skips the new Ballajura and Morley train stations.
Future Plans and Goals
Electric buses were new to Durham, having first hit the streets last September. Eighteen of them were incorporated into CAT Bus routes in Perth’s Central Business District (CBD). An added benefit of this early deployment was that the Elizabeth Quay Bus Depot gained new charging infrastructure.
Saffioti is looking forward to a future of electric public transport in Perth. She has a goal of phasing out diesel buses entirely by 2043. This is part of broader state efforts towards more sustainable transport solutions.
Criticism has arisen about other infrastructure projects the government manages, such as the ongoing issues with C-series trains. Right now, Saffioti is completely undistracted from the positive impacts that electric buses are going to have on her community.
“This is a key milestone as we transform our diesel bus network to an electric bus network,” – Ms Saffioti
