Victoria’s newest electric bus depot has opened in Preston, helping to accelerate the state’s transition from diesel buses to Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs).
The Preston depot features a Victorian-first overhead gantry charging system that increases space and capacity for the new ZEB fleet to support Victoria’s journey to net zero emissions by 2045.
The Government says the new, modern ZEBs will phase out some of the older diesel buses moving thousands of passengers each day.
“ZEBs are cleaner, quieter and better for passengers and community alike, and we are proud of the work our operators and workers are doing to accelerate the transition of our bus fleet,” said Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams.
Up to 58 electric buses will operate out of the Preston depot travelling more than 2.8 million kilometres each year across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including routes to Moonee Ponds, Melbourne University and Reservoir.
These new-modern buses and fully electric bus depot are part of the new Metropolitan ZEB Franchise contracts, that have been designed to fully transition a third of the metropolitan bus fleet to ZEBs by 2035, accounting for 600 diesel buses and saving an estimated 45,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
“Through the Metropolitan Zero-Emission Bus contracts, we’re transforming a third of Melbourne’s bus fleet by 2035 – cutting 45,000 tonnes of emissions every year while delivering better services for passengers,” said Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio.
The Preston facility is also supporting the training of five additional workers.
