Kinetic begins major Dunedin expansion with 37 new electric buses and new Ōamaru service

Kinetic's New Zealand operations, through its regional Go Bus brand, today began two new nine-year contracts with the Otago Regional Council, expanding its Dunedin operation with 37 new electric buses, 30 new drivers, and routes including a new daily service connecting Ōamaru to Dunedin.

The service will be operated by an electric bus, improving accessibility and connectivity for communities along the coast, and giving them a daily link to the services and opportunities Dunedin offers. 

The expansion represents a $25 million investment in zero-emission infrastructure and fleet in Dunedin, including the 37 new electric buses and the electrification of Go Bus's Portsmouth Drive depot. 

The depot is now home to the South Island's first overhead gantry charging system and, combined with ground-mounted charging, can charge up to 38 electric buses at once. The gantry system uses around 25 per cent less space than traditional ground-mounted charging, freeing up yard space while supporting safety and reliability.

Go Bus Chief Operating Officer Ben Barlow said the expansion reflects a long-standing relationship with the Otago Regional Council and the Dunedin community.

"We've operated in Dunedin for many years, and from today we're running more of the network. That's a responsibility we take seriously, and our focus is on delivering services that are safe, reliable and accessible for the people who depend on them," said Mr Barlow.

"We're also excited to be building on the work we've already done in Dunedin to support Otago Regional Council's transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.”

Kinetic Executive General Manager, Electrification, Kayne Baas said the Portsmouth Drive system draws on Kinetic's global electrification experience.

"We've drawn on Kinetic's experience delivering overhead gantry charging across our global operations in designing the system at Portsmouth Drive," said Mr Baas.

"It builds on the charging infrastructure we installed at our Mosgiel depot last year, and adds to the ground-mounted charging we operate in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Wellington and Invercargill, as well as overhead gantry charging at our Glenfield and City depots in Auckland."

The Dunedin fleet is also supported by Go Bus's fully electrified satellite depot at Mosgiel, which was electrified last year to support 13 electric buses introduced to the network.