A proposed electric bus depot in Melbourne’s West announced this week will feature charging infrastructure for over 130 electric buses and room for future growth.
The new depot in Truganina, set to become the largest in Melbourne’s Western suburbs, is being built through a partnership between local transport provider ComfortDelGro Australia (CDC) and London based fleet electrification specialist Zenobē.
Zenobē will deliver the depot’s charging infrastructure, including the installation of a total of 65 dual-lead DC chargers, with a provision for a further 20 charging points, along with all the associated civil and electrical works.
“Electrifying a bus depot at this scale is not simply a charging project, it is an infrastructure and operational feat,” said Gareth Ridge, country director for Australia and New Zealand at Zenobẽ.
“Truganina has been designed around both how CDC’s fleet will operate today and how it will grow over time, ensuring the power and charging infrastructure can support the transition to zero-emission buses at scale.
“Zenobē has already delivered this kind of infrastructure alongside Metroline in the UK, and we’re excited to bring that experience to Melbourne. Together with CDC, we’re putting the infrastructure in place to make zero-emission public transport a reality for communities across Melbourne’s west.”
CDC was awarded franchise contracts for a third of Melbourne’s bus network back in September of 2024, the first of Victoria’s Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Franchise contracts.
Once the Truganina bus depot is complete, it will facilitate the delivery of the first fleet of electric buses to Melbourne’s western growth corridor.
“As a long-time operator in Melbourne’s west, we’re delighted to deliver greener, more sustainable public transport for customers and communities in this region,” said Jeff Wilson, CDC Victoria CEO.
“The electrification of our Truganina depot is a significant milestone that will support the rollout of electric buses, providing customers with cleaner, quieter and more sustainable journeys.
“We’re also delighted to be working with Zenobē on this key project. Their global expertise in delivering fleet electrification, including their work with our sister company Metroline in the UK, will help accelerate our transition to a zero-emission fleet and support the delivery of Melbourne’s sustainable transport future.”
