The McGowan Government has committed $125 million in the latest State Budget to deliver 130 new electric buses and charging infrastructure.
The $125 million allocation will combine with $125 million from the Federal Government to deliver a $250 million program that will feature 130 locally built electric buses and depot upgrades including charging infrastructure.
Mark McGowan, WA Premier, said electric vehicles are the future and that this investment will ensure Western Australia’s public transport is clean and green for its net-zero future.
“Expanding our electric bus network is already having a tangible impact to reduce carbon emissions.
“Importantly, we will build these busses right here in Western Australia – creating local manufacturing jobs and supporting local businesses.”
An initial $22 million is allocated in the 2023-24 State Budget to purchase and build 18 new electric buses and install electric charging infrastructure within Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.
Rita Saffioti, WA Transport Minister, said they have been running electric buses through Joondalup for the last year and the cleaner, greener technology has been popular among passengers.
“The ongoing success of the trial has allowed us to commit more funding to expand the electric bus program, getting more of this environmentally friendly technology on Perth streets.”
The trial in Joondalup has seen four battery-electric vehicles operate within the northern suburbs and is estimated to have carried over 250,000 passengers in the first 12 months, covering more than 140,000km, and saving approximately 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
“If four of these buses have managed to carry more than 250,000 passengers and save 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in a year, it is exciting to think what a growing fleet will be able to achieve in the near future,” said Saffioti.
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