Electric buses are rolling into Perth’s suburban routes for the first time as WA makes a significant stride away from diesel. This latest rollout, centred on Transperth’s upgraded Malaga depot, is a key milestone in the state’s long-term plan to decarbonise public transport, improve air quality and deliver long‐term savings for taxpayers.
Key Upgrades at Malaga
The Malaga depot in Perth’s southern suburbs has undergone a A$12 million upgrade and is set to become Western Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) bus charging facility. Already, 16 chargers have been installed—with additional units scheduled for commissioning by the end of the year—to support an eventual capacity of 110 electric buses. Initially, 11 electric buses have been readied, with the number expected to swell to around 90 by early next year and continue increasing until full capacity is reached by the first half of 2026.
The significant upgrades aren’t solely about installing chargers. The facility now features solar panels and battery storage, meaning that much of the energy used to power the fleet comes from renewable sources. This not only demonstrates how planning for a cleaner future can be integrated with sustainable infrastructure but also helps to stabilise energy costs over the long term. With each electric bus able to travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, operators can reduce diesel dependency while lowering annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 40 tonnes per bus.
Ministerial Endorsement and the Broader Rollout
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti recently expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “This is a really exciting moment for public transport in Western Australia, with electric buses rolling out into our broader suburban areas for the first time.” The Minister’s comments underscored that this expansion is a direct delivery on the government’s election commitment to cease ordering new diesel buses—a pledge that marks WA’s determination to lead the transition toward zero-emission public transport.
The electric bus initiative extends well beyond Malaga. Following the successful introduction of 18 electric buses on the CBD CAT routes—which are forecast to save about 720 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually—the state is now upgrading other depots. Plans are already under way for similar EV infrastructure improvements at the Karrinyup and Claisebrook depots, while a new EV-focused hub is also planned at Bayswater. With such comprehensive preparation, it is expected that over the next two decades, every Transperth depot will be refurbished to support a fully electric fleet.
Environmental and Community Benefits
For Perth’s residents, the shift from diesel to electric buses is a commitment to healthier communities. Cleaner buses mean a reduction in localised air pollution, providing significant benefits for those living in areas prone to congestion and higher emissions. Experts also anticipate reductions in operational costs over the long term, a saving that can translate into more efficient spending of WA taxpayers’ money.
In economic terms, the investment bolsters WA’s green technology sector and creates opportunities in renewable energy, from installation to maintenance of solar panels and battery systems. With each electric bus saving roughly 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, the cumulative impact, once the fleet reaches its full potential, will be substantial.
Historical Context and the Road Ahead
This weekend’s launch is the latest chapter in a broader narrative. The initial rollout of electric CAT buses on the CBD routes last September set the stage for further expansion—a move that has been closely watched both locally and by international peers. Western Australia has, for years, faced the dual challenges of reducing transport emissions and modernising ageing infrastructure. Past projects have experimented with cleaner technologies, but this coordinated effort marks one of the largest, most ambitious shifts in the state’s public transport history.
The state government’s decision aligns with international trends as cities worldwide transition to sustainable public transport systems. Like those in leading European and Asian capitals, Perth’s strategy is based on both fiscal prudence and environmental responsibility. As global challenges such as climate change call for decisive action, WA’s integrated approach—combining renewable energy with cutting-edge EV technology—represents a proactive step forward.
The ongoing upgrades to the Malaga, Karrinyup, Claisebrook and Bayswater depots signal that the journey toward a fully electric fleet is well under way. Over the next two decades, as each depot is refined to support EV operations, Perth’s public transport network could become a benchmark project in sustainable urban mobility.
