The launch of Keolis Downer 8-year contract in Sydney region. 125 e-buses to be introduced

Keolis began operating a network of over 400 buses (406, to be more specific) in Greater Sydney (Australia), with plans to convert 125 vehicles to electric power.

The contract started on 31 October 2021 and is managed by Keolis’ Australian subsidiary Keolis Downer. The eight-year contract, worth 580 million euros, was awarded on 28 May 2021 by Transport for New South Wales, the public transport authority for the state of New South Wales. It is the first time the network is being run by a private operator. 

This contract, which is the largest involving the introduction of alternative-energy buses in Australia, is part of the government’s move to convert the region’s entire bus fleet to electric power by 2030. 

Keolis to introduce 125 electric buses in Sydney region

Keolis Downer, which takes over nearly 900 new employees, is responsible for introducing 125 electric buses to replace retiring vehicles, with supporting infrastructure technology at Brookvale and Mona Vale bus depots by 2030. Also, Keolis is operating the B-Line bus service, which includes 38 double-decker buses, offering turn-up-and-go B-Line bus services provide more seats and comfortable travel for passengers between Mona Vale and the city centre. Passengers can access real-time service information at the 11 bus stops.

The PTO is then incorporating 12 Keoride on-demand vehicles including 4 new accessible minibuses which increase passenger capacity, including wheelchairs and prams. Operating since 2017, passengers can use an app-based service to book their ride at the time that suits them, for journeys between Narrabeen and Palm Beach on the Northern Beaches suburbs.