The NSW government has released its Budget for 2023-24, with zero-emissions bus trials, improved bus networks and a new rapid bus network all on the cards for the government in the next year.
The current NSW government delivered its first Budget, with $72.3 billion to be invested over the next four years to improve transport around the state.
The largest of investments based on buses and coaches pertains to the future Western Sydney International Airport, with $302.7 million reserved for a Western Sydney rapid bus network to connect the communities of Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown.
While regional roads and emergency repair funds have been established alongside a $10 million commitment to improve heavy vehicle rest stops, the next bus commitment handles the zero-emissions transition.
A further $29.4 million has been allocated to plan for the transition of fleet to zero-emissions buses, including trials, analysis and development for operators and manufacturers.
The NSW government has also funded $20.2 million to continue the Transport Connected Bus Program in the state.
Finally, the NSW government has put $15.7 million into Transport for NSW investing in the Public Transport Information and Priority System to improve real time bus tracking for passengers.
The NSW government says this investment will help end ‘ghost buses’ and improve the reliability and confidence of passengers and was a key recommendation of the Bus Industry Taskforce Report.
“Responsible infrastructure investment means we are rebuilding essential services while lowering government debt for the first time in 20 years, all without privatising public assets,” the NSW government says.
“The NSW government is setting out a long-term plan to repair the Budget in a sustainable way, to rebuild the essential services we all rely on and to take pressure off NSW families and businesses.”