As of Friday, May 26, Footscray now has nine new electric buses servicing popular routes across Melbourne’s west, including Williamstown, Moonee Ponds, Footscray and Sunshine.
These are the first zero emission buses to hit the area, following funding in the 2023-24 budget for the Zero Emissions Bus roll out.
The West Footscray depot has been upgraded to be the base for the fleet of the nine electric buses, which forms part of the $20 million Zero Emissions Bus Trial.
The trial will see 52 zero emission buses, 50 electric and two Victorian-first hydrogen buses all rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.
From 2025, all new buses on Victoria’s public transport routes will be zero emissions.
This trial will begin the transition of more than 4,000 diesel buses in the state’s public fleet, Transit Systems is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the trial.
The state budget includes funding to support the roll out of zero emission buses as part of new 10-year metropolitan bus contracts.
This roll out joins other zero emission buses already operating around the state’s network – including in Melbourne’s west.
With Kinetic delivering electric buses on various routes operating out of Sunshine.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said the new buses will provide better transport options for Footscray locals.
“This is a huge benefit for passengers in Footscray as we fast track our transition to a clean bus fleet – with these new zero emissions buses to create smoother journeys and quiet buses in our streets,” she said.
Data collected from the trial will provide practical information like how zero emission buses perform, and energy and charging requirements for different types of routes.
It will also give insight into how the buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability.
Jennifer Pittorino
