The Victorian Government has opened a new electric bus depot in Preston, accelerating 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 the state’s journey to reach net zero emissions by 2045.

The ZEBs will phase out some older diesel buses which are currently moving thousands of passengers each day.

“ZEBs are cleaner, quieter and better for passengers and community alike,” said Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams.

“We are proud of the work our operators and workers are doing to accelerate the transition of our bus fleet.”

The Preston facility is also supporting the training of five additional workers – helping to transition 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.

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“These modern electric buses will carry thousands of passengers every day to key destinations like Moonee Ponds, Melbourne University and Reservoir,” said Victorian Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt.

“They are making public transport more reliable, more comfortable and better for the environment.”

The modern buses and Preston’s fully electric bus depot are part of the new Metropolitan ZEB Franchise contracts, 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 State Government will begin 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.