The Karrinyup bus depot, in Perth’s northern suburbs, is the latest site to be upgraded with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as part of Western Australia’s transition to a fully electric bus fleet. 

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.

The jointly funded program has already delivered an initial 130 electric buses, with associated charging infrastructure and depot upgrades rolling out across the Transperth network.

Karrinyup is currently Perth’s largest EV bus depot and the third site to be completed after Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and the Malaga Bus Depot.

The Karrinyup bus depot has been upgraded with 56 dual electric bus chargers with 112 charging plugs. 

There are currently 53 electric buses operating out of the depot, with plans to increase to 110 electric buses by the end of the year.

EV charging specialist JET Charge has retrofitted the depot with the EV charging equipment as well as substation and CCTV upgrades.

The project has also included the reconstruction of the depot yard including additional parking for drivers, new line marking and the refurbishment of driver and staff facilities.

Works are underway to upgrade the depots at Bayswater and Jandakot North with EV charging infrastructure to support up to 130 and 82 electric buses respectively. 

Planning is also underway for the upgrade of depots at Welshpool, Joondalup, and Claisebrook to support the state’s growing electric fleet. 

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.

To date, 155 electric buses have been delivered, including Australia’s first locally manufactured electric articulated ‘bendy’ bus, with a second close to completion. 

The two bendy buses are expected to begin road testing in the coming weeks before entering service in Perth’s northern suburbs, with one expected to be received at the Karrinyup depot in September.

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.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Karrinyup will be one of the first EV bus depots to operate outside of the Perth CBD, and this retrofit will support cleaner, zero-emission buses throughout Perth’s suburbs.

“Our transport sector is one of the largest sources of emissions across Australia. Delivering an electric bus network in WA means cleaner air, modern public transport and significant local job creation as we transition to net zero.”

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

“We’re not only building locally made electric buses for the future but delivering the infrastructure needed to support a cleaner, greener public transport system.

“Karrinyup is now our largest EV bus depot, with buses charging up here before hitting the road as far as Joondalup in our north, Fremantle in the south and Ballajura in the east. 

“With 11 new electric buses entering service each month, the depot upgrades we’re rolling out across Perth will ensure we can keep pace with demand while building in the capacity needed to keep this momentum going over the coming years. 

“Manufacturing electric buses in WA is an important way the Cook and Albanese Governments are diversifying our economy, supporting local jobs and cutting emissions across our public transport network.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Climate Change and Energy Assistant Minister Josh Wilson:

“The Albanese Government’s $125 million investment in electric charging infrastructure across Perth’s bus depots is helping deliver a cleaner, quieter and more reliable public transport network, including at Karrinyup, where infrastructure now supports more than 100 electric buses.

“Electric buses improve local air quality, reduce transport emissions and provide real benefits for the communities they serve, while supporting Australia’s progress towards net zero.

“By partnering with the Western Australian Government to electrify public transport, we’re delivering practical outcomes – modern infrastructure, stronger energy security, new local jobs and better public transport for Western Australians.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Moore Tom French:

“This is a win for the northern suburbs.

“Less pollution, less noise, and a bus fleet that’s ready for the future.

“I’ve made it a priority to make sure our part of Perth isn’t left behind in this rollout.”  

Quotes attributable to State Member for Scarborough Stuart Aubrey:

“Karrinyup bus depot is critical to the smooth delivery of public transport services across our northern suburbs, providing a base for about 200 drivers.

“These upgrades mean that more than 50 electric buses are now providing smooth, comfortable, zero-emission journeys to northern suburbs residents.

“It’s all part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable and affordable public transport for Western Australians.”