NSW Transport Minister John Graham with CDC NSW’s Shane Tissington at the new depot during the opening ceremony. Picture: supplied/Toby Zerna Media
Rouse Hill in Sydney now has a new $55 million bus depot capable of hosting 200 electric buses thanks to community bus operators CDC NSW.
The 4.1-hectare depot, which opened on Friday, May 30, will employ up to 300 staff such as drivers, mechanics, yard personnel and administrative team members.
CDC NSW Chief Executive Officer David Mead said the bus depot was seven years in the making and its opening was a source of great pride to them.
“Our new depot prioritises staff facilities including large modern meal areas, expansive rest areas with comfortable lounge spaces, entertainment options including TVs and a billiards room, a prayer room and dedicated quiet zones for breaks between shifts,” he says.
“This landmark infrastructure investment will serve as an important hub that will power public transport throughout Sydney’s rapidly growing Northwest corridor, ensuring residents and visitors enjoy improved mobility and connectivity for years to come.”
NSW Transport Minister John Graham MLC says bus services are critical to connecting communities.
“I’m pleased to see this Rouse Hill facility is equipped and ready to roll for the next phase of the zero emissions bus roll out,” he says.
“This facility is exactly what the bus taskforce was talking about when it recommended a stronger focus on depot infrastructure.”
In keeping with the government’s Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, the depot features underground infrastructure to cater for a fleet of 200 electric buses.
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia chairman Russell Balding says the new depot is more than just infrastructure investment in their growing national portfolio.
“It demonstrates how private-public partnerships can deliver world-class transport facilities that benefit communities while supporting the state transition to more sustainable transport solutions.”
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) operates in seven states and territories. They employ more than 5700 staff and operate more than 12,000 vehicles nationally.
ABOUT THE DEPOT
- A 12-bay workshop facility with full RMS (HVIS) approval, dedicated bus wash and refuelling areas.
- Space for up to 213 buses with 250 car park spaces.
- Two on-site detention tanks for stormwater collection and treatment.
- A 140,000-litre capacity system for harvesting and reusing roof-collected stormwater for bus washing.
- Recycled water systems for landscaping and plumbing.
- An energy-efficient design.
- LED lighting controlled by PET cells for exterior areas and motion sensors for interior spaces.
- A back-up power generator.
- Security measures like full CCTV coverage for security and vehicle dispatch and restricted access.
