The first of 50 new Hybrid technology buses for Melbourne’s bus network will take its first passengers next week, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. The order for 50 new Hybrid buses into the CDC Victoria bus fleet is the single biggest order of hybrid buses in Australia. “We’re securing local jobs and supporting the environment with Australia’s largest single order of hybrid buses.” Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Melissa Horne commented “This is part of the biggest order of new trains, trams and buses this state has ever seen, which are being built right here in Victoria.”
The Minister explained that the new Victorian-built buses will be progressively rolled out across the next three years and will operate across bus routes in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine. The Minister added that the buses will reduce fuel consumption and the impact on the environment, while improving passenger experience by delivering a quieter and smoother ride. The first bus will enter service on Route 606 (Elsternwick to Fishermen’s Bend) and 417 (Laverton to Laverton North) next week.

Minister Horne also explained that the body construction and fit out for the new buses is being carried out in Dandenong by Volgren, supporting Victorian jobs and backing the local automotive industry to develop new capability and innovation. The Minster also pointed out that all 50 buses will feature low floor layouts and are Euro 6 emission standard, the highest and cleanest level for commercial vehicles worldwide. All 50 of the new buses are wheelchair accessible.
Minister Horne said that the Hybrid technology uses the electric battery when idling and travelling under 20 km/h. The bus noise is significantly reduced when idling at stops and departing from stops, while trials in Victoria found Hybrid buses used 30 per cent less fuel. 30 Hybrid buses will be phased in over the next 12 months, with all 50 buses to be in service on CDC routes in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine by 2022.
“We’re modernising, expanding and upgrading Melbourne’s bus fleet, improving the passenger experience, delivering local jobs and reducing the impact on the environment.” Minister Horne commented.