After a few years of trial and operation, the Victorian Government published Victoria’s Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan on 1st November 2024, outlining detailed plans and timelines for the introduction of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and replacement of diesel buses.
Starting from 1st July, 2025, all new public buses purchased in Victoria will be zero-emission, as part of the state government’s ambition on achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. They will progressively replace the current fleet of diesel buses in the coming decades.
The plan acknowledges the transport sector is a significant contributor to Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions, and considers the transition to ZEBs being an effective step in reducing emissions and pollution, and attracting more people to use buses instead of cars.
But empty buses won’t help reduce emissions. As seen in the graphic below, most of Australia’s transport emissions come from cars and light commercial vehicles,with buses contributing to only 2% of all road transport emissions. Transport is Victoria’s second largest and fastest growing source of emissions, so decisive and swift action is needed.
The ZEB transition without the support of an efficient bus network would significantly hinder the government’s progress on achieving its emission reduction goals, as it provides little incentive for residents to switch from cars to public transport. While transitioning to ZEBs will help to reduce air and noise pollution from diesel buses, a transformational reform of the bus network, and significant enhancement of bus services still remain crucial in effectively reducing emissions in the transport sector.
(Climateworks centre ‘Decarbonising Australia’s transport sector: Diverse solutions for a credible emissions reduction plan’, 2024)
What residents want and need are frequent bus services that reach their destinations in a direct route, with a service level that they can depend upon to get them where they need to go. A modern, accessible and attractive bus network that meets their actual needs would enable people to switch to public transport, which would help get cars off the road and in turn significantly reduce transport-associated emissions.
Transitioning to ZEBs is welcome news. Now it is time for the government to utilise their opportunities and step up their effort in achieving its net-zero emission ambition, through delivering a fast, frequent, connected grid of clean, electric buses that will get everyone in our communities moving.
Written by Caleb Li - Sustainable Cities collective member