BusNSW has welcomed the state government’s recent budget announcement, labelling it a “significant long-term investment” in bus services, manufacturing and public transport infrastructure.
A key measure was the commitment to invest $6.5 billion over 10 years through its New Electric Bus Program to deliver thousands of new electric buses, new depots and upgraded infrastructure – a move the association says provides greater certainty for manufacturers and supply chains.
BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says the investment will deliver benefits for passengers, communities and the broader economy.
“The NSW government’s commitment to invest $6.5 billion in new electric buses and depots is one of the most significant investments ever made in the NSW bus industry,” he says.
“It will support the delivery of modern, reliable bus services, provide confidence for manufacturers and suppliers, and help create and retain skilled jobs across the industry.”
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He says the investment aligned with recent BusNSW advocacy regarding opportunities to accelerate the rollout of zero-emission buses across the state.
“BusNSW recently wrote to the transport minister and regional transport minister regarding opportunities to fast-track the deployment of zero-emission buses across New South Wales, including for outer-metropolitan and rural and regional areas where they are operationally suitable,” he says.
“The successful regional trials of battery electric buses have demonstrated the technology can operate effectively in a wide range of environments and service profiles.”
BusNSW president John King welcomes the government’s continued investment in bus services and infrastructure to support growing communities.
“This budget recognises the important role buses will play in supporting population growth and improving access to public transport, particularly in rapidly developing areas such as Western Sydney and the Aerotropolis,” he says.
BusNSW also welcomed the $450 million for replacement buses to support services across outer-metropolitan and rural and regional New South Wales, together with funding for a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing bus operations and improving the customer experience.
This includes bus priority infrastructure projects, the bus transport management system, Opal 2.0 account-based ticketing system and bus solution, the RegStar program to update licence systems and future fleet program planning activities.
King says the budget announcement is timely, with BusNSW set to host the 2026 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo at Sydney Showground on July 15-16.
“BusNSW looks forward to working with the NSW government and industry stakeholders to ensure these budget initiatives deliver lasting improvements to transport connectivity, service quality and economic outcomes across the state,” he says.
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