37 new electric buses to join Dunedin network

Thirty-seven new electric buses will be introduced to Dunedin’s public transport network from October, following the award of two major contracts by the Otago Regional Council to Go Bus Transport.

The contracts cover about half of Dunedin’s bus network and will significantly increase the number of electric buses in operation. They will also introduce larger, purpose-built buses for longer-distance services on Route 1 between Palmerston and Dunedin.

Otago Regional Council transport portfolio lead councillor Alan Somerville says the contracts will deliver a more modern and environmentally friendly fleet with increased capacity.

“One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of more electric buses within the first year of the contract.

“This is a major step towards our goal of transitioning to a totally zero-emission fleet in the coming years, which has the added benefit of reducing emissions of harmful pollutants,” Somerville says.

The contracts were awarded to Go Bus Transport, which is part of Australasian public transport operator Kinetic.

Otago Regional Council general manager of regional planning and transport Anita Dawe says the new contracts will also support additional peak services on the Peninsula–City route.

“We’re pleased to see Go Bus are including two larger buses, targeted for use on Palmerston–Dunedin services, designed for a more comfortable ride on longer-distance trips and look forward to our longest public transport route having this improved offering,” Dawe says.

The expanded services will operate from Go Bus’s Portsmouth Drive depot, which has been purpose-built and fully electrified to support a growing zero-emission fleet.

Go Bus chief operating officer Ben Barlow says the company’s Dunedin team is looking forward to delivering the next phase of electric bus services in partnership with the council.

“Delivering reliable, sustainable, and comfortable public transport for our community is at the heart of everything we do,” Barlow says.

“The introduction of these new zero emission vehicles marks an exciting chapter in our partnership with ORC, supporting the continued shift toward cleaner, more attractive travel across Dunedin and the communities we serve.

“Services will operate from Go Bus’s modern Portsmouth Drive depot, purpose-built in 2025 to support the growing zero emission fleet. These new contracts allow us to increase service capacity, introduce larger buses for longer routes, and strengthen community connections, while continuing to invest in our people, infrastructure, and the future of sustainable transport in the region.”

Once the new contracts commence in October, 61 of Dunedin’s 79 buses — about 77% of the fleet — will be electric.

With the renewal of the city’s final bus contract, Otago Regional Council expects all of Dunedin’s buses to be electric by 2028.