Max Hatzoglou
A major rollout of zero and low emission buses across Melbourne will get underway with the Sunshine West Depot to have five new electric buses introduced in the coming months.
The state government announced that it will deliver 36 electric buses by mid-2025 with the Sunshine West Depot to be upgraded to house and charge 24 electric buses.
The electric bus depots will include undercover parking bays and major electrical infrastructure to increase power capacity to charge buses.
Solar panels will be installed at the depots. When complete, more than 30 per cent of the franchise bus fleets at the depot will be zero emissions buses.
The electric buses will run across 11 routes operated from Sunshine West including from Sunshine to the CBD and to Caroline Springs; from Garden City and Altona North to Queen Victoria Market; from Yarraville to Highpoint Shopping Centre; and from Fisherman’s Bend to the CBD.
Public Transport MP Ben Carroll said the new buses would provide a better experience for users.
“These buses will benefit the entire community – delivering environmental benefits and providing a smoother and quieter ride for passengers,” Mr Carroll said.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the rollout of electric buses would have a more friendly environmental impact across the state.
“The new zero emission buses introduced by Kinetic will cover a third of Melbourne’s bus network – that’s a win for locals and a win the environment as we head towards our target of halving emissions by 2030.”
