19 January 2026
Go Bus will deliver a major upgrade to Dunedin’s public transport network after being awarded two significant network contracts by the Otago Regional Council (ORC), retaining one previously held unit and gaining another.
From October, 37 new zero-emission buses will enter service, with around half of Dunedin’s routes transitioning to zero emissions operations. The new buses will increase capacity and service frequency, helping provide cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable travel for communities across the city.
“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,” says Ben Barlow, Chief Operating Officer, Go Bus.
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.
All services will operate from Go Bus’s modern Portsmouth Drive depot, purpose-built in 2025 to support 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 of Dunedin’s 79 buses (77%) will be zero-emission, 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.
Go Bus is proud to continue providing sustainable, reliable, and community-focused public transport services in Dunedin. We remain committed to investing in our people, supporting modern infrastructure, and delivering the future of zero-emission transport across the region.
Learn more about how we’re supporting cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable travel across New Zealand:https://www.wearekinetic.com/sustainability/environmental-impact/electric-busing
