The Victorian Government has unveiled a comprehensive road map aimed at transforming Victoria’s diesel bus fleet into a zero emissions powerhouse.
The Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Plan outlines a strategic approach to phasing out diesel buses and replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives as the state pushes towards a cleaner and more sustainable public transport system.
The ZEB Plan is designed to equip operators and industry stakeholders with essential information on the transition to zero emission buses, the government said in a media release.
It will also provide key insights into the latest technologies and innovations within the ZEB sector.
“We are working with the bus industry to ensure the ZEB transition not only improves the customer experience, but also boosts local manufacturing, creating even more local jobs,” said Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams.
“We’re converting Victoria’s entire public bus fleet to be quieter and more comfortable for passengers while at the same time slashing emissions.”
In a move to foster local industry involvement, the plan sets a minimum requirement of 62 per cent local content for ZEB manufacturing.
This initiative will enable small and medium-sized enterprises across Victoria to enter the expanding supply chain associated with zero emission buses.
From mid-2025, all new buses ordered for the public fleet will be required to be zero emission, with nearly 690 ZEB buses already funded through the Labor Government’s $20 million ZEB trial.
According to the government, current contracts with bus operators are also in place to support this transition.
The ZEB Transition Plan will see larger operators in Melbourne and major regional centres begin the shift to ZEBs immediately, while many smaller operators, particularly in regional areas, will adopt a more gradual approach.
The newly introduced Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises will cover a third of the metropolitan bus fleet, resulting in the replacement of 600 existing diesel buses with new zero emission battery electric buses by 2035.
This shift is projected to save an estimated 45,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “Lowering emissions across Victoria’s bus industry is an important step forward to achieving our world leading target of net zero emissions by 2045.”
Improving the bus network is a central component of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which aims to meet rising demand, enhance accessibility, and improve performance while ensuring value for money for all passengers.
The plan has already facilitated the introduction of over 200 new and improved routes across the state.
