Kinetic wins new contracts to deliver major zero-emission bus expansion in Dunedin, New Zealand

Kinetic's New Zealand operations, through its regional Go Bus brand, will deliver one of Dunedin's largest zero-emission bus rollouts after being awarded two significant network contracts with a combined value of NZD100 million by the Otago Regional Council (ORC).

Under the new nine-year contracts, which commence in October 2026, 37 new electric buses will join the Dunedin network, bringing the city's Kinetic-operated zero-emission fleet to 53 vehicles.

The expansion will see around half of Dunedin's bus services transition to zero-emission operations.

The contract win reinforces Kinetic's position as a global leader in zero-emission public transport, with the company operating over 1,500 zero-emission buses across 33 electrified depots worldwide.

The company has invested heavily in purpose-built and electrified depot infrastructure globally, including Australasia's largest all-electric bus depot at New Lynn in Auckland, New Zealand's first large-scale overhead gantry charging system at Auckland’s Glenfield, and Victoria's first overhead gantry charging infrastructure at its newest depot in Melbourne’s Preston.

Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the Dunedin expansion demonstrates the company's ongoing investment in zero-emission public transport infrastructure globally.

"This contract win is another example of Kinetic delivering on our commitment to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets in the cities we operate," said Mr Sewards.

"We don't just operate contracts – we invest in the depots, charging infrastructure and fleet needed to make zero-emission transport possible.

"From our purpose-built Portsmouth Drive depot in Dunedin, to technology such as overhead gantry charging systems in Auckland and Melbourne, we're building the infrastructure that supports cities transition to cleaner, quieter public transport and we're proud to be leading that transition across our global network."

Kinetic Managing Director (New Zealand) Calum Haslop said Kinetic in New Zealand is proud to be a leader in this space, operating 355 zero-emission vehicles around the country. 

"This contract allows us to build on that leadership, with 37 new electric buses joining our existing Dunedin fleet from October 2026," said Mr Haslop.

"By the time these buses enter service, we'll be operating 53 zero-emission buses in Dunedin, supporting ORC's goal of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2028.

"Our team in Dunedin has already demonstrated what's possible – our existing electric buses have received fantastic feedback from passengers and drivers alike, and we're excited to expand that experience across more of the network."

Services will operate from Go Bus's modern Portsmouth Drive depot, purpose-built in 2025 to support the growing zero-emission fleet, with the fleet also supported by a fully electrified satellite depot in Mosgiel.