Transport for NSW (Transport) has set an ambitious timeline to transition its bus fleet to zero emissions technology by 2035 in Greater Sydney, Outer Metro regions by 2040 and regional areas by 2047. This move is expected to reduce emissions from the state's public transport network by an impressive 78%.
Transport engaged WSP to support delivery of the Strategic Business Case for transitioning the NSW bus fleet to Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs). WSP’s strategy, technical and planning advisors also supported the delivery of the ZEB transition strategy which looked at how such a change might be implemented. WSP was then engaged to deliver the Final Business Case (FBC) for the first stage of the transition, the critical step to secure the funding required to implement the strategies that had been laid out.
Early financial and economic analysis
Transport recognised it was essential to consider the financial, social, and environmental outcomes to deliver a strong return on this significant investment. Our strategic advisors were responsible for cost, economic and financial analysis, requiring the development of a complex model to guide the transition options from a financial and economic perspective. This helped inform a comprehensive analysis of the cost of transition, weighed against the financial and economic benefits, operational improvements, and social advantages such as reduced noise and emissions.
A strategy to deliver a zero-emission bus fleet state-wide
Acting as Technical Advisor and Strategic Consultant to Transport in the development of the ZEB Transition Strategy in 2021, we set out a response to the challenge of transitioning the entire NSW bus fleet to zero emissions and established a pathway to achieve this. The strategy firstly required understanding the ‘state-of-the-art’ in ZEB technologies, in particular hydrogen, biofuel, and battery electric solutions. After conducting a multi criteria analysis to prioritise the technologies, the strategy determined the operational applicability across different bus types, regions, and routes.
We then undertook a detailed assessment of the compatibility of existing bus routes and depots, for operation by Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). This work was informed by WSP’s Battery Optimisation and Lifecycle Tool (BOLT) which enables comprehensive modelling of bus routes and scheduled assignments at the individual route level, as well as at the depot and contract region level, also generating data on peak power needs for ZEB depots across the state. BOLT modelling was undertaken for a selection of existing bus depots where suitable data was available; and the application of model findings to determine the relative feasibility and readiness for ZEB operation of different bus depots across Metropolitan Sydney, Outer Metro Sydney, and Regional NSW.
We conducted feasibility assessments to ensure that the selected sections of Transport owned land would be appropriate for building new BEB-only depots. Our multi-disciplinary teams assessed the sites on a multi criteria basis considering factors such as planning controls, environmental issues, earthworks required, stormwater and flood impact, pavement specification, power, and other utilities availability, building location and bus/staff parking and maintenance needs.
Converting existing bus depots to ZEB operations
WSP then commenced definition design work to investigate possible options for transforming the existing depot facilities to accommodate the new vehicles, and how new facilities could be laid out. The work included assessment of bus depot layouts, supplemented by consultation with operators, identification of expansion potential, review of bus depot current power supply and demands We also completed an assessment of the proximity to zone substations, and assessment of the technical challenges of provided supplementary grid power to the depots.
Depot layout designs were developed initially using our Generative Bus Depot Design Tool (our in-house automated bus depot design tool) to reflect depot capacity under different charging technologies and methods (ground plug-in or overhead reel plug-in), as well as bus parking layouts. We also identified candidate locations for additional depot space, having regard for route networks, dead running, power availability, land use zoning and development generally.
To assist with selecting charging equipment, our people worked closely with Transport to determine the appropriate minimum requirements for performance for BEBs, chargers and bus depot design. Based on operational requirements, market offers, and existing specifications, we identified technical and procurement specifications that would ensure interoperability, good system performance, innovation, and opportunities for the market to respond and provide competition and choice, whether responding to government or private sector orders.
The Final Business Case for Stage 1 of the ZEB Transition
In 2022, WSP was engaged by Transport develop the Final Business Case (FBC) for the first stage of transitioning the state’s buses to ZEBs, including development of the following key deliverables:
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Cost report
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Economic and financial appraisals
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Review and amendments of Investment Logic Map (ILM)
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Benefits map and benefits realisation management plan
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Final business case document
Building on outcomes from the Strategic Business Case, WSP assisted Transport in building a solid evidence base for committing funds for the next stages of the ZEB transition. The Final Business Case optimised value for money, enabling decision makers to finalise the planning for the successful implementation and delivery of the transition. With Transport recently announcing the release of $3 billion of funding dedicated to the first stage of implementation, and with over 100 ZEBs already in operation, NSW is well on its way to a cleaner, more sustainable public transport future.
To learn more, visit our Zero Emission Vehicles page, or contact Brian Smith, Ray Winn or James Logie.
