Transport Portfolio committed to reducing carbon emissions

The Transport Portfolio’s vision is for “a better future for Western Australians through connected, resilient, safe and sustainable transport solutions”. 

To this end it has developed an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework, which will help to shape and guide the strategic direction and achievement of its key objectives. A particular focus will be on delivering sustainable, integrated, accessible and safe transport solutions to meet current and future needs. 

Each of the Transport Portfolio partners – the Department of Transport (DoT), Main Roads WA and the Public Transport Authority (PTA) is committed to reducing carbon emissions in support of the State Government’s target of net zero emissions for Western Australia by 2050.

Department of Transport (DoT)

“Reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector will be essential to support the State Government’s 2025 target”, says Steve Beyer, Director Sustainability and Strategic Projects.

“Achieving that target will be challenging for some parts of the transport sector, especially rail freight, long distance road freight and aviation. Maintaining momentum in the sales of electric vehicles will be essential to ensuring significant reduction in emissions from road transport by the mid-2030s.

“The State Government has also made a commitment to reduce the public sector’s 2020 carbon emissions level by 80 per cent by 2030. This will include reducing emissions from motor vehicle fleets, public transport, including trains, buses and ferries, and street and traffic lights.

“As road transport accounts for some 75 per cent of transport sector emissions, the decarbonisation of transport will be very dependent on the adoption of zero emissions vehicles. Battery electric vehicles made up 6.5 per cent of passenger vehicle sales in 2023, with sales growth supported by the State Government’s rebate of $3500 per eligible vehicle. 

“Lowering carbon emissions from electric vehicles inherently relies on the rapid adoption of renewable generation in the energy system. For urban transport, the investment in METRONET and active transport infrastructure will enable greater use of public transport, cycling, walking and use of e-rideables.

“Over the next decade, WA will see a significant increase in battery electric vehicles in the passenger and light commercial vehicle segment. The Transperth urban rail system will move to 100 per cent renewable energy, operating across the extensive METRONET network, and the Transperth bus fleet will progressively replace diesel and gas buses with battery-electric buses. Perth’s extensive bike network will also enable growth in cycling, walking and use of e-rideables,” Mr Beyer says. 

Main Roads WA (MRWA) 

“The WA Climate Policy requires all Government organisations to develop and implement plans to transition towards the legislated State Government target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and support the interim whole-of-government target of 80 per cent emissions reduction over 2020 levels by 2030,” says Louis Bettini, Principal Adviser Sustainability

“Main Roads' Net Zero 2050 Transition Plan is a key strategic document that will drive our efforts in achieving 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets, meet legislative obligations and provide an overall framework to decarbonise our operations and support the Government's climate action and emissions reduction goals. The Plan defines desired outcomes, key actions, and maps potential pathways for us to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

“The Net Zero 2050 Transition Plan is centred around four key actions and five outcomes outlined in the Net Zero Transition Framework with a vision to support the whole-of government 2030 emission target and reach Net Zero by 2050.

“The key actions provide targeted and differentiated interventions, addressing the largest sources of emissions within our operations,” Mr Bettini says. 

Public Transport Authority (PTA) 

“Whether it’s delivering projects or operating train, ferry or bus public transport services, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) understands the importance of, and is committed to, operating in an environmentally sustainable way and reducing the impact on the environment”, says PTA spokesperson, David Hynes 

“The average commuting distance in Perth is 30km. Driving this distance daily, to and from work by car, generates around two tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. A full bus load of passengers can take more than 50 cars off the road; and a full passenger train carrying 1000 people can take 800 cars off the road – equivalent to a 5km line of traffic. Switching from car to public transport not only saves thousands of dollars in fuel costs, but also reduces the amount of annual greenhouse gas emissions produced.

“The PTA is also expanding its electric bus fleet, which will see 130 new locally built electric buses and charging infrastructure at key depots. This program is part of a $250 million joint initiative between the Federal and State Government.

“Electric buses were first trialled in early 2022 which saw the first of four electric buses rolled out on the Joondalup CAT route. The electric quartet has carried an estimated 390,000 passengers in the first two years and covered more than 310,000km, saving about 340 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the process.

“Work will soon begin on the installation of electric bus charging equipment at Elizabeth Quay bus station – the first bus station in WA capable of supporting electric buses. The charging infrastructure will support the operation of 18 electric Perth CAT buses.

“The introduction of electric buses and regenerative brakes on all electric passenger trains (similar technology to hybrid and electric cars) are the major public transport items to reduce carbon emissions, complemented by the decarbonisation of the electricity grid. Currently regenerative brakes on electric passenger trains generate about 27 million kWh of electricity back into the electricity grid. This figure will double when the original A-Series electric trains are retired which do not have regenerative braking and are replaced by the new C-Series train. 

“The PTA is continually looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions now and into the future. An onsite renewable energy program has been implemented, which involves installing solar systems and storage at stations and depots to supply the electricity demand during the day. To date, this has generated more than 4 million kWh of electricity.

“The PTA is also installing EV chargers at selected stations to improve the state’s network of EV chargers, as well as encouraging public transport patronage. Mr Hynes says.