Western Australia’s newest and largest electric vehicle (EV) bus depot has been unveiled in Bayswater to support Perth’s transition to a fully electric bus fleet.
It comes as Transperth has marked another major milestone, with more than 200 locally made electric buses now in service on Perth roads.
The upgrades are part of a $250 million Albanese and Cook Labor Government initiative to phase out diesel buses and deliver new electric bus charging infrastructure across Perth.
This joint investment has delivered an initial 130 electric buses, and associated charging infrastructure and depot upgrades across Perth.
Bayswater is the fourth site to be equipped with electric bus charging infrastructure, following Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, Malaga and Karrinyup bus depots.
The new Bayswater EV bus depot has been upgraded with 65 dual and two single electric bus chargers, with 20 electric buses currently operating out of the depot.
The depot has a capacity to support an initial 132 electric buses with a long-term capacity of 180 electric buses.
The project has also delivered a new administration building, workshop and wash bay, depot yard, bus and staff parking areas, landscaping, security fencing, line marking and associated site infrastructure.
Local electric bus manufacturing is a key part of the Cook Labor Government’s Made in WA plan to diversify the economy and grow local jobs.
The final diesel Transperth bus was manufactured more than a year ago, and every new bus added to the fleet since has been an electric vehicle locally built in Malaga.
More than 200 electric buses have now been delivered, including Australia’s first locally made electric articulated ‘bendy’ bus which entered passenger service on Monday, 2 November.
The second articulated EV bus will start passenger service from Karrinyup bus depot in the coming weeks.
The upgrade of the Jandakot EV bus depot is also underway, with connection works completed and charger installation in progress.
The charging network will be progressively brought online, with all 41 dual chargers expected to be operational by mid-2027, providing charging capacity for 82 electric buses.
Planning is also underway for upgrades to support EV buses at Welshpool, Joondalup and Claisebrook.
The electric bus program represents a significant step forward in the transition to zero-emission public transport in WA, delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits for the State.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian and Cook Labor Governments are working together to transition the Transperth bus network to zero-emission operations.
“Australia’s transport sector is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and by delivering electric bus charging infrastructure we are reducing tailpipe and noise pollution from bus operations.
“With the Bayswater depot now in operation, we are delivering sustainable public transport options for Perth.”
Quotes As put by WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We’ve delivered more than 200 electric buses which are now operating on our roads, and I’m so proud that they’re Made in WA.
“To support our growing electric fleet, we need quality EV charging infrastructure which is why we’re rolling out upgrades to depots across Perth.
“Bayswater is now our biggest EV bus depot delivered as part of our joint investment with the Australian Government.
“Building electric buses in WA is another way we’re supporting Western Australian jobs, while ensuring our world-class public transport network is sustainable for the future.”
Quotes As put by Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
“The Albanese Government is making sure affordable, electrified public transport is available across Perth.
“Bayswater was once home to horse-drawn carts for market farmers and now it is home to hundreds of electric buses.
“Bayswater electric bus depot is the largest EV bus depot in the Transperth network and a major milestone for the future of public transport right here in our backyard.
“Backed by a $250 million investment from the Albanese and Cook Governments, this project will help get more electric buses onto Perth’s roads.
“Supporting Australian manufacturing and delivering cleaner, more sustainable transport for our community and future generations.”
Quotes As put by Federal Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence:
“As another bus depot opens, we are continuing to support a lower-emissions public transport fleet across Perth.
“I am looking forward to seeing works on the remaining depots progress, that will continue to deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits across the State.”
Quotes As put by WA Bayswater MLA Dan Bull:
“It’s great to see the new Bayswater EV bus depot completed, marking another important milestone in Perth’s transition to a fully electric bus fleet.
“With 11 new locally made electric buses entering service every month, this new depot will ensure our community can benefit from cleaner, greener public transport.
“Not only are we future proofing our public transport network but we’re keeping it affordable for Western Australian families through our capped fares and free travel initiatives.”
8 NOVEMBER 2026
