The Andrews Labor Government will roll out eight electric buses across the CBD and eastern suburbs as part of the three-year Zero Emissions Bus Trial that paves the way for a diesel-free bus fleet.

The first electric bus is expected to be operating from local operator CDC Victoria’s Oakleigh depot later this year, with the final bus going into service by mid-2024.

The first CDC Victoria electric trial bus is due to start on routes 601 and 630 which take in Huntingdale Station, Monash University, Gardenvale Station and Ormond Station.

Routes 605, 612, 623, 624, 625 and 626 will follow, transporting people to destinations including Armadale Station, Toorak Station, Como Park, Melbourne Observatory, Crown Casino, Melbourne CBD and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

CDC Victoria is one of five bus operators that will trial 41 electric buses on existing regional and metropolitan bus routes as part of the trial, providing vital information for the full transition of public buses to zero emissions by 2050.

The 41 electric buses as part of the trial are in addition to 36 electric buses being rolled out across the metropolitan network by Kinetic, that will operate from the Sunshine West and Heatherton depots.

Under current initiatives, tens of thousands of people will be travelling on at least 78 quieter, smoother and fume-free electric buses each week across the State by mid-2025.

In another benefit for the eastern suburbs, the bus bodies will be built at Volgren’s Dandenong South manufacturing facility, supporting local jobs and helping to build Victoria’s engineering, design and manufacturing expertise in these emerging technologies.

The trial will provide practical information including how electric buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes. It will give insights into how zero emissions buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability and customer outcomes.

Quotes attributable to Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll

“Communities in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are set to benefit from cleaner, quiet and smoother bus journeys with eight electric buses being rolled out as past of the Electric Bus Trial.”

“Creating a greener fleet is part of our Bus Plan to develop a more modern and reliable network that will attract more people to the convenience of buses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh is Steve Dimopoulos

“Outdoor dining areas across the east will benefit significantly from the introduction of electric buses which are quieter and fume-free.”

Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak

“Not only are electric buses a huge positive for the environment – passengers can also look forward to a smoother, quieter and more comfortable ride.”