Kinetic launches first of Melbourne’s new zero-emission buses

Credit: Kinetic

Kinetic has announced that its first two battery electric buses (BEB) are now operating in Melbourne’s western suburbs, jump-starting the Victorian government’s plan for all new public buses to be zero emissions from 2025.

The buses are among 36 fully electric buses to join the Melbourne bus network over the next three years.

Creating a greener fleet is part of Victorian government’s Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers, with the new, greener buses vital to the government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

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Welcoming the vehicles and announcing an expansion of the labour government’s $20 million Zero Emissions Bus Trial, Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said it was critical to invest in greener technology: “We will continue working closely with our public transport operators, like Kinetic, to deliver these zero emissions buses which will also provide passengers with quieter and more comfortable journeys.”

Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards said: “The introduction of our first two electric buses is an exciting step in our journey to deliver a safer, cleaner and greener bus service for all Victorians. Every time we introduce an electric bus, we remove a diesel one, and that’s a great outcome. We’re doing it here in Melbourne, and right across Australia and New Zealand. To us it’s an evolution, not a revolution, and we’re simply getting on with it. We’re proud to support the Victorian government’s transition to zero-emissions transport and we hope it’s an incentive for Victorians to get out of their cars and onto our buses which are better for local communities and the environment.”