Woden Bus Depot
A large-scale electric bus depot supporting fleet electrification and operational efficiency within a purpose-built facility.
Client:
MD Electrical Group
Location:
Parramatta Street, Phillip ACT
Status:
Completed
Sector:
Government
Transport & Infrastructure
Services:
Photo Credit:
Transport Canberra / MD Electrical Group
Overview
Delivering an Electric Bus Depot for Transport Canberra
The Woden Bus Depot is a key piece of infrastructure supporting the ACT Government’s transition to a zero-emissions public transport fleet. As Australia’s largest electric bus depot, the facility is designed to accommodate and charge up to 100 electric buses, representing a major step towards achieving a fully electric bus network by 2040.
The depot incorporates rooftop solar panels to offset charging and operational energy use. It also includes 12 service bays, a panel shop, a tyre changing bay, and specialised maintenance areas, along with amenities to support approximately 250 Transport Canberra personnel.
A central feature of the facility is the overhead charging gantry system, which can be lowered to enable safe and efficient connection to the electric bus fleet.
Our Role
Electrical and Lighting Design for a Large-Scale Transport Facility
BSE was engaged by MD Electrical Group to deliver electrical and lighting engineering design services for the depot.
Our role included design, documentation, and coordination of electrical and lighting systems to support the operational requirements of the facility.
Outcomes
Infrastructure Supporting Electrified Transport Operations
The completed depot supports the operation of an electric bus fleet, reducing reliance on diesel vehicles and contributing to lower transport emissions.
The facility has also improved operational efficiency, including reduced dead running, enabling increased service delivery across the network.
Transport Minister Chris Steel noted that the depot “has reduced dead running by around 2000 kilometres each day, and what we’ve been able to do … is use that efficiency to deliver more services.” Dead running refers to the distance buses travel without passengers when positioning for routes.
The project provides a purpose-built environment for charging, maintenance, and day-to-day operations, supporting Transport Canberra’s transition to a zero-emissions fleet.
“Delivering the electrical and lighting design for Australia’s largest electric bus depot is a proud milestone for BSE. This project demonstrates how collaboration and considered engineering can support the ACT Government’s zero-emissions future, combining functionality, sustainability, and innovation to deliver a cleaner transport network.”
— Brendon Newham, ACT Director
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