Piper Alderman advises Keolis on landmark Brookvale electric bus depot infrastructure project

Piper Alderman is pleased to have advised Keolis Australia on the development and delivery of the Brookvale Bus Depot electrification project in Sydney, a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to zero-emission public transport.

The Brookvale depot is reported to be Australia’s first pantograph‑down electric bus charging facility, supporting the transition of an existing fleet of 229 diesel buses to battery-electric operation. The project incorporates high‑power charging infrastructure using Kempower technology, including 13 charging units designed to enable automated, large-scale depot operations.

The depot has been developed through collaboration between Keolis Australia, JET Charge, Downer EDI Engineering, Transport for NSW and bus manufacturers including Custom Denning, Yutong and Foton.

This project represents a major step forward in electrified transport infrastructure in Australia, addressing complex operational requirements such as limited depot space, integration of multiple vehicle platforms and the need for reliable, continuous charging capacity.

Piper Alderman’s role included advising Keolis on key legal, commercial and project delivery aspects associated with this first‑of‑its‑kind infrastructure rollout.

Partner Maria Capati led the engagement, bringing deep sector expertise in transport infrastructure and bus electrification projects. Maria was supported on the deal by Infrastructure, Projects & Construction Partner, Juniper Watson and Senior Associate, Shaun Clifford.

Importantly, this work builds on Piper Alderman’s longstanding relationship with Keolis, with the team also advising on related zero emission depot infrastructure projects at the Mona Vale and North Sydney depots.

Maria Capati commented:

“This project represents an important milestone in the transition to zero-emission transport in Australia. It has been a privilege to support Keolis on a project of this scale and complexity, which will play a key role in shaping the future of public transport infrastructure.”

This matter further demonstrates Piper Alderman’s leading capability in acting on complex transport and infrastructure projects, particularly those supporting the electrification and decarbonisation of bus networks across Australia.