Preston Powers Up For Victoria's Electric Bus Future
The Allan Labor Government has opened Victoria's newest electric bus depot in Preston, accelerating Victoria'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 new, modern ZEBs will phase out some of the older diesel buses moving thousands of passengers each day.
The Preston facility is also supporting the training of five additional workers - helping to transition our hard-working bus maintainers to more modern and sustainable technology.
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.
Later this year, the Labor Government will commence ZEB trials in regional Victoria, helping small and medium-sized regional bus operators prepare for the transition.
Improving the bus network is a key focus of Victoria's Bus Plan, which aims to meet growing demand, boost accessibility and performance for passengers.
Since its launch, the plan has upgraded more than 126 bus networks and added over 11,000 extra weekly services, giving Victorians more reliable and convenient public transport.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"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."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"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."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"This new Preston electric bus depot is a huge win for our local community, delivering quieter, cleaner buses while creating skilled jobs and training opportunities right here in Melbourne's north."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt
"These modern electric buses will carry thousands of passengers every day to key destinations like Moonee Ponds, Melbourne University and Reservoir, making public transport more reliable, more comfortable and better for the environment."
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-01/260130-Preston-Powers-Up-For-Victoria%27s-Electric-Bus-Future.pdf
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