Invitation for Pre-Qualification

The Victorian Government is inviting suitable organisations to obtain pre-qualification to participate in an upcoming procurement process for the Metropolitan ZEB Franchises (MZF) Project.

The Project represents seven new Franchises, to be competitively tendered under a single procurement process, with new operations to commence on 1 July 2025, noting the current contracts expire on 30 June 2025.

The new Metropolitan ZEB Franchises are an important next step under Victoria’s Bus Plan, to deliver holistic reform to the bus network across Victoria. Victoria’s Bus Plan sets out how Victoria will deliver a more modern, productive, and environmentally sustainable bus network, increasing the number of people choosing to take the bus and delivering simple, safe, reliable, and comfortable journeys.

The seven new Franchises will bring greater consistency in the commercial arrangements for metropolitan bus contracts, reducing complexity, and enabling the State to more effectively support Victoria’s transition to ZEBs and implement further initiatives that improve customer experience and network efficiency under Victoria’s Bus Plan.

One of the key elements of the MZF contracts is the transition of these contracts to full ZEB operations by the end of the 10-year term.

Note: An eighth package will be separately procured as a Regional Bus Services Contract (RBSC). This Invitation for Pre-Qualification does not apply to the RBSC Procurement Process and organisations that are interested in that procurement only are not required to obtain pre‑qualification at this stage. The process for RBSC will take place at a later stage this year.

How to apply for MZF Pre-Qualification:

Interested parties must refer to the Invitation for Pre-Qualification.pdf and must complete the Pre-Qualification Form, which should be submitted electronically via the Buying for Victoria portal by 24 August 2023 at 2:00 pm AEST.