The Melbourne Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchise comprises five new franchise contracts to operate approximately one third of Melbourne’s bus network over a 10-year period, commencing in July 2025. The new contracts will see the replacement of the existing diesel fleet with approximately 600 Zero Emission Buses, expected to be operational on the Melbourne network by 2035. Covering 131 public routes and more than 230 school services, the contracts have been awarded to Victorian-based operators Dysons, ComfortDelGro, and Kinetic. Once fully delivered, the fleet is projected to travel over 35 million kilometres annually and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 45,000 tonnes each year.
The Judging Panel shortlisted this project in recognition of the high-quality strategic and commercial advice provided to manage the transition from existing operating contracts to a new franchise model, incorporating asset transfer to the State at the end of the term. The Panel commended the approach to integrating a competitive procurement process that accelerates the deployment of Zero Emission Buses, while ensuring value for money and supporting Victoria’s clean energy and transport objectives.