The Victorian government has recently opened Victoria’s first electric bus depot in Melbourne’s north-east, as the state works towards reaching net zero emissions by 2045.

As part of the government’s $20 million Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Trial, Ventura’s Ivanhoe depot has been converted to accommodate the largest fleet of zero-emission buses in the state, according to Ministers for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio and Public and Active Public Transport Gabrielle Williams.

The 27 electric buses operating from the upgraded depot will transport up to 10,000 people each week covering more than 1.2 million kilometres a year across the northern suburbs — including routes travelling to La Trobe University, Preston Market, Gowrie Station and Northland Shopping Centre.

Works to convert the former depot from diesel to completely zero emission buses included the installation of a new transformer on site and upgrading the grid connection to support the 14 dual-gun Tritium fast chargers.

Ventura is the largest bus operator in Victoria and one of six operators across the state taking part in the three-year ZEB trial which will see 52 zero-emission buses (50 electric and two hydrogen) rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.

The trial is helping inform the transition of around 4,500 diesel buses in the state’s public fleet to zero emissions. From 2025, all new buses purchased for Victoria’s public transport routes will be free of emissions.

“Our transport sector is a significant contributor to our emissions and the rollout of zero emissions buses will be critical to achieving our world-leading target of net zero emissions by 2045,” said D’Ambrosio.

Extra funding was also announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support the roll-out of zero-emission buses as part of new 10-year metropolitan bus contracts.

These contracts cover 30 per cent of the metro network and will renew in 2025.

Improving the state’s bus network is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan to meet demand, and enhance accessibility and performance while delivering value for money for all passengers.