Victoria is making strides towards its ambitious goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045, marked by the inauguration of the state’s first electric bus depot in the north-eastern part of Melbourne.
The Ivanhoe depot, owned by Ventura, has been revamped to house the state’s largest collection of zero-emission buses. This transformation is a part of the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Trial, which is backed by a $20 million investment.
The refurbished depot will operate 27 electric buses, providing transportation to approximately 10,000 individuals each week. These buses are expected to cover over 1.2 million kilometers annually across the northern suburbs, servicing routes that include La Trobe University, Preston Market, Gowrie Station, and Northland Shopping Centre.
The conversion of the depot from diesel to zero-emission buses involved the installation of a new transformer on the premises and an upgrade of the grid connection to accommodate 14 dual-gun Tritium fast chargers.
Ventura, the largest bus operator in Victoria, is one of six operators participating in the three-year ZEB trial. The trial will introduce 52 zero-emission buses (50 electric and two hydrogen) across Melbourne, Traralgon, and Seymour.
The trial is instrumental in guiding the transition of approximately 4,500 diesel buses in the state’s public fleet to zero emissions. Starting in 2025, all new buses procured for Victoria’s public transport routes will be zero emissions, aligning with the state’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
The Victorian Budget for 2023/24 announced additional funding to facilitate the deployment of zero-emission buses as part of the new 10-year metropolitan bus contracts. These contracts, due for renewal in 2025, cover 30 percent of the metro network.
The enhancement of Victoria’s bus network is a key component of the state’s Bus Plan. The plan aims to cater to demand, improve accessibility and performance, and ensure value for money for all passengers.
Read more about opportunities in Victoria’s clean energy sector.
Victoria rolls out its First Hydrogen Buses
The two Victorian-first hydrogen new buses form part of a trial in which six operators – including Transit – are rolling out 52 zero-emissions buses, alongside the two hydrogen vehicles, across the state. The Transit Systems West Footscray bus depot will run the two hydrogen buses to service routes across Footscray, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds, and Sunshine.
From 2025 onwards, all new buses purchased for Victoria’s public transport system will have zero emissions – this trial will provide valuable data on the transition of 4,000 diesel buses, including 2,200 in regional Victoria.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are significant and it is vital that we act to decarbonise this sector to help us achieve national leading net zero emissions by 2045.” Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 included a $20 million investment to support the rollout of zero-emissions buses as part of Victoria’s Bus Plan – which is building a modern and reliable network that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses only emit water vapour at their tailpipe – and it is estimated the two buses alone will save around 90 tonnes of emissions annually.
“With the quieter and smoother journeys that come with cleaner technologies like hydrogen and electric, this is another win for the Footscray community where these vehicles will be based.” Member for Footscray Katie Hall
The Labor Government has set world-leading emissions reduction targets of 75 – 80 percent by 2035 and net zero by 2045.
