Perth is set to charge up its public transport network with a major upgrade to the Malaga bus depot, making it the first in Western Australia to receive significant enhancements for electric vehicles. This development is a crucial step in expanding the city’s electric bus infrastructure, poised to accommodate a fleet of 90 electric buses with overnight charging capabilities.
The new upgrades come after the partial enhancement of the Joondalup depot in 2022, which initially supported a trial of four electric buses. Civcon and Gemtek, local firms awarded contracts worth $12 million, will handle the task of extending and realigning the bus parking area and installing the necessary EV charging equipment.
This project forms a key part of a $250 million joint initiative between the State and Federal Governments, with each contributing $125 million. The Federal Albanese Government’s investment is earmarked for electric bus charging infrastructure, while the Cook Government is funding the acquisition of 130 electric buses manufactured locally.
Excitingly, the first electric CAT bus is about to join the Perth public transport network within the week. This bus will be among 18 new electric vehicles set to service the Perth CAT bus network, with the remainder expected to roll out in the near future. Electric buses have been a feature of Perth’s transport since early 2022, starting with a modest fleet of four on the Joondalup CAT route. This trial has been remarkably successful, with these initial buses transporting over 440,000 passengers and covering more than 380,000 kilometres, leading to a reduction of about 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The upgrade of the Malaga depot is part of a broader plan to adapt more bus depots for electric charging, aligning with the anticipated increase in electric bus production. This initiative is not only about improving public transport but also about supporting Perth’s environmental goals and enhancing urban air quality.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King emphasised the importance of this transition. She noted that Australia’s transport sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, making the shift to electric buses a vital component of the nation’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions. The Malaga depot retrofit is one of the first major upgrades in this ambitious programme, which aims to provide zero-emission transport services and support Perth’s growth. This upgrade promises a more effective transport system, improved passenger experiences, and reduced noise and exhaust fumes in urban areas.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti highlighted the rapid expansion of Transperth’s electric fleet over the past two years. From a trial of four buses, the commitment now extends to 130 locally-built electric buses to be deployed in the next two years. Saffioti stressed the necessity of having the right infrastructure in place to support the ongoing and future operation of these buses, underscoring the significance of the Malaga depot’s upgrade for the seamless functioning of the electric bus fleet.
Federal Member for Cowan Anne Aly expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s benefits for Perth’s northern suburbs and the environment. She praised the collaboration between the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, highlighting the Malaga depot’s role as the starting point for Perth’s new zero-emission bus network. Aly believes this investment represents a significant win for the community, combining enhanced public transport with environmental benefits.
As Perth embarks on this electric journey, the Malaga depot’s upgrades mark a pivotal moment in the city’s transition to greener public transport. With ongoing developments and future upgrades, Perth is setting a new standard for sustainable urban transit.
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