UPDATE: A transformative $11 million upgrade has just been announced for the Taren Point bus depot, set to accommodate a new fleet of electric buses. This significant development, located on Bay Road, aligns with the New South Wales Government’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The existing depot, currently operated by U-Go Mobility, will be retrofitted to include 70 bus bays equipped with electric charging stations and 75 car parking spaces for staff. The project will also see the removal of an above-ground fuel tank, land remediation efforts, and enhancements to the fire service facilities.
In a move to improve traffic flow, the access points will be reversed, allowing entry from Bay Road and exit onto Production Road. A development application (DA) has been officially lodged with the Sutherland Shire Council on behalf of Transport for NSW.
This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to phase out over 8,000 diesel and gas buses across NSW under the Zero Emission Buses program. Currently, there are 220 electric buses in operation throughout Sydney and Newcastle, with plans to expand this number to approximately 1,700 by 2028.
Authorities emphasize that this project is crucial for enhancing the passenger experience, enabling quieter and smoother rides while significantly reducing emissions. “The passenger experience is improving with quieter, smoother vehicles that also reduce emissions,” officials stated.
The Taren Point property has a long history, having originally been undeveloped farmland until around 1947. It transitioned to bus parking in 1998 and currently operates under a 2001 council consent allowing for 63 bus bays.
As part of the Zero Emission Buses Program, the New South Wales Government is collaborating with bus operators to convert a total of 11 diesel and natural gas bus depots in Greater Sydney to support the deployment of 1,200 new battery electric buses. Work is already underway at the U-Go Mobility Kingsgrove depot, with planning also in progress for the Menai depot alongside Taren Point.
The first stage of this major initiative commenced in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2028. Residents of the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas can look forward to a cleaner, more efficient public transport system as these developments unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses, and be part of the conversation surrounding the future of sustainable transportation in New South Wales.
