Australia, Kinetic inaugurates Preston bus depot with Victoria’s first overhead gantry charging system

Kinetic has officially opened its new purpose-built Preston bus depot in Melbourne, featuring the first overhead gantry-charged infrastructure for zero-emission buses in the state of Victoria.

The facility was developed in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning as part of the Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchise (MZF). This project follows Kinetic’s previous deployment of large-scale overhead gantry charging systems at its Glenfield depot in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kinetic is currently the largest mass transit operator in Australasia, with over 12,000 buses and 400 trains operated across seven countries through its various subsidiaries. The group also holds a 51% stake in the UK-based Go-Ahead Group. In late 2025 Kinetic has entered into an agreement with U.S.-based investment firm TPG, under which the latter will acquire a 70 percent equity interest and become the company’s majority shareholder. The company has recently been awarded two long-term contracts in New Zealand’s Dunedin, that will see 37 new electric buses introduced from 2026.

Globally, Kinetic currently manages 33 zero-emission bus (ZEB) depots and a fleet of over 1,500 electric vehicles. According to a press release by Kinetic, the Preston site is the operator’s fourth electric bus depot in Victoria and its 12th across Australia.

Technical specifications of the overhead charging infrastructure

The Preston depot utilizes an overhead gantry design that suspends charging equipment above the vehicle bays rather than using traditional ground-mounted units. Connection to the buses is facilitated through pull-down cable reels that interface with the vehicle charge ports. Data released by the operator indicates that this configuration is 25% more space-efficient than standard ground-based charging setups, allowing for a higher density of vehicles within the same footprint. According to a press release by Kinetic, the system also reduces the risk of vehicle damage compared to floor-mounted hardware.

The transition of the fleet began with the arrival of the first zero-emission bus in December 2025, which entered passenger service in late January 2026. Under the 10-year term of the franchise, Kinetic is scheduled to progressively introduce 58 new zero-emission buses at the Preston site, eventually converting the entire local fleet to electric propulsion.

Kinetic Preston depot is live

Kinetic initiated operations under the MZF at the Preston location in July 2025, covering 14 routes throughout Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The staffing for this franchise involved the recruitment of more than 120 drivers, a portion of whom were integrated through the company’s Women Up Front trainee driver program.

The facility serves as a technical hub for the company’s regional electrification strategy. The deployment of the gantry system at Preston represents the transfer of global infrastructure models to the Australian market, specifically aimed at maximizing urban depot capacity as fleet sizes increase.

Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said: “Preston is a prime example of how we’re turning that vision into reality – bringing global expertise and proven technology to deliver cleaner, quieter journeys for local communities. We’re committed to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to accelerate the shift to zero emissions transport across our global network.”

Kinetic Managing Director (Australia) Matt Campbell adds: “Today is a proud moment for our team and a testament to what can be achieved when government and industry work together towards a shared vision for sustainable public transport. The Preston depot is a demonstration of our commitment to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to deliver world-class zero-emission bus services for Melbourne.”

Kinetic Executive General Manager – Electrification Kayne Baas said: “This facility showcases what modern zero-emission bus infrastructure looks like. The overhead gantry charging system delivers real operational benefits — from maximising depot space to reducing vehicle damage risks — while setting a new benchmark for electric bus depots across the country. Preston benefits from learnings we’ve gained through our global electric bus footprint, including our Glenfield depot in Auckland, where we introduced New Zealand’s first large-scale overhead gantry system. We’re proud to be bringing this technology to Victoria.”