New bus procurement panel in place
The NSW Government is standing by its commitment to support local jobs and manufacturing by implementing new achievable targets for bus procurement in the state.
The new bus procurement panel, known as Bus Panel 4, will be in place from 1 March 2024 and includes an initial list of qualified companies to supply new buses, including battery electric buses, to operators with more companies expected to be added shortly.
The Panel will focus on supporting local manufacturers where possible throughout the bus building process, while balancing service and passenger demands.
This complements Stage 1 of the Government's Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program, which aims to progressively introduce a 50 per cent local content target in new electric buses, with around 1,700 ZEBs to be on Greater Sydney roads by 2028.
There are also a number of updated requirements for manufactures that are part of the procurement panel, including:
• updated safety features on buses
• ability for suppliers to offer various and updated ZEB technology
• ZEB battery warranties
• new social, disability, diversity and inclusion, environmental and sustainability requirements.
By 2047 - when the state’s public bus fleet has been fully transitioned to zero emissions technology - carbon emissions are estimated to be reduced by 509,000 tonnes a year.
This means major positive impacts on the environment, cleaner air for communities, smoother rides for passengers and quieter more enjoyable streets, particularly for pedestrians and outdoor diners.
While it is expected a mix of bus types and manufacturers including overseas manufacturers will be required to meet network needs, this is a major step forward in seeing more local content across our public transport network.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen:
“This bus procurement panel that is now in place reflects the government’s focus on supporting local bus manufacturing as much as possible while still ensuring we have a reliable bus network.”
“Our ZEB program Transport will be seeking to include more local content during the fleet procurement stage as we support local capability growth.”
“We are committed to creating opportunities for our local businesses in growing a sustainable local bus manufacturing industry and maintain jobs and capabilities into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins:
“The new bus procurement panel will help give certainty to the industry going forward and will support our vital local manufacturing industry.”
“The procurement list now has a wider range of suppliers for battery electric buses and encourages all suppliers to consider opportunities to increase their investment in this space.”