Zero emission buses to be rolled out

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams has announced that Victoria’s diesel bus fleet will be phased out and replaced by zero emission vehicles under the Victorian government’s new Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) plan.

From mid-2025, new buses ordered for the public fleet will be required to be zero emission, with almost 690 ZEB buses already funded through the government’s $20 million ZEB trial and current contracts with bus operators.

The plan will provide operators and industry with information on how the state will implement the transition.

It will also create opportunities for manufacturing across the state, setting a minimum 62 per cent local content requirement to allow small and medium Victorian enterprises to enter the supply chain.

Ms Williams said the new bus fleet would be quieter and more comfortable for passengers while at the same time slashing emissions.

“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,” she said.

Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said lowering emissions across Victoria’s bus industry was an important step forward to achieving the net zero emissions target by 2045.

The scheme is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which is designed to meet demand, enhance accessibility and performance, while delivering value for money for all passengers. It has already helped introduce over 200 new and improved routes across the state.

For more information, head to the Victorian Government website.