Kinetic opens new Go Bus depot in Dunedin to drive a sustainable future

Kinetic-owned Go Bus has officially opened its new purpose-built depot on Portsmouth Drive in South Dunedin, New Zealand, marking a significant investment in the city’s public transport future.

The refurbished former PlaceMakers site brings together Go Bus Dunedin’s operations and workshop into one modern hub, replacing the long-standing Princess Street depot. This facility supports daily services and enables growth as public transport evolves in the region.

Designed for operational efficiency and sustainability, the depot features a fully equipped workshop capable of servicing up to six buses simultaneously. The workshop maintains a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, including urban buses, school buses, and specialised school transport assistance (SESTA) vehicles. Facilities include sky lifts, brake rollers, a full-size spray booth, and a paint mixing room to ensure comprehensive maintenance.

Supporting sustainability efforts, the depot houses a state-of-the-art bus wash that recycles 80% of its water and a portable charger to support the growing electric bus fleet on the Mosgiel–Dunedin network, complementing the wider EV infrastructure at Go Bus’s fully electric satellite depot in Mosgiel.

Staff wellbeing is also a priority, with purpose-designed modern offices, a dedicated training room, and lunchrooms for drivers and workshop and administration teams, providing everyone with comfortable, safe spaces to work and take breaks.

Ben Barlow, Chief Operating Officer of Go Bus, says the depot opening is a landmark moment:

“This depot is a real investment in Dunedin’s future. It gives our people the facilities, technology, and working environment they need to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transport every day. We are proud of our long history here and equally proud to be working alongside Otago Regional Council on initiatives like the On Demand service that show what public transport can achieve when innovation and community go hand in hand. This new depot reflects that shared vision — future-ready infrastructure that supports growth, reduces emissions, and delivers a better experience for everyone who rides with us.”

The opening of the Portsmouth Drive depot coincides with a major step forward for sustainable transport in Dunedin. Thirteen new electric buses have recently joined the Mosgiel–Dunedin network, including six high-capacity 75-seat vehicles to meet peak demand and support future growth. The launch of the fully electric Orbus On Demand service marks the final step in moving all Mosgiel buses to zero emissions, enabling Otago Regional Council (ORC) to deliver cleaner, more sustainable public transport.

“Go Bus has a long-standing presence in Dunedin, and while many will fondly associate the old Citibus site with that history, this new purpose-built depot signals a confident step into the future,” says Lorraine Cheyne, Transport Manager at Otago Regional Council.

“The EV charging at Portsmouth Drive complements Go Bus’s fully electrified satellite depot in Mosgiel. Several of the new electric buses even arrived ahead of schedule, replacing older diesel vehicles and reducing emissions across the network.

“This year, Kinetic – which owns and operates Go Bus – became the first public transport operator in New Zealand to receive the HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice Award, recognised for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

“ORC is incredibly proud to work alongside an operator that’s investing in both its people and the city’s future. The ORC–Go Bus partnership is built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to getting people where they want to go.”