Kinetic New Zealand to deliver one of Dunedin’s largest electric bus rollouts and expanded services with new ORC contracts

Kinetic New Zealand, through Go Bus Transport, will deliver a major expansion of zero-emission buses and service offerings across Dunedin after being awarded two significant network contracts by the Otago Regional Council (ORC).

Under the new contracts, which start in October, 37 new electric buses will be added to Dunedin’s public transport network, helping transition around half of the city’s bus services to zero-emission operations.

This expansion marks a key milestone for Dunedin’s public transport future, with larger capacity vehicles and increased service frequencies set to support communities across the region.

"These new electric buses mark the next phase of our partnership with ORC, building on the zero-emission fleet we’re already operating in the region, and continuing the shift toward cleaner, more attractive travel for Dunedin,” says Ben Barlow, Chief Operating Officer, Go Bus.

“Drawing on Kinetic New Zealand’s experience as one of leading operators of zero-emission buses in the country, we’re proud to support ORC’s ongoing transition to a fully zero-emissions fleet, bringing reliable and environmentally friendly transport to more people than ever before.”

The contracts will also see the introduction of specialised larger buses targeted for longer distance routes such as Palmerston to Dunedin, improving comfort and capacity for customers travelling beyond the city centre.

Services will operate from Go Bus’s modern Portsmouth Drive depot, purpose-built when it opened in 2025 to accommodate the growing zero-emission fleet.

ORC’s Transport Portfolio Lead Councillor, Alan Somerville, says the outcome of these contracts will deliver a fleet of new and more environmentally friendly buses with greater 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-emissions fleet in the coming years, which has the added benefit of reducing emissions of harmful pollutants.”

Under the new arrangements, 61 out of Dunedin’s 79 buses, or 77 percent, will be electric, helping reduce emissions while improving services for passengers across the city. With the renewal of Dunedin’s final bus contract, all of the city’s buses are expected to be fully electric by 2028.

This work builds on Kinetic’s broader commitment to transitioning public transport networks to zero-emission buses and supporting communities with cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable travel choices.

You can read more about Kinetic’s zero-emissions commitments as part of our Sustainability Strategy:https://www.wearekinetic.com/sustainability/environmental-impact/electric-busing