

Bus operators are stepping up their fight against the state government's plan to take over their businesses, by driving the first of several anti-Labor buses through marginal electorates ahead of this year's election.

Bus companies have begun protesting in marginal electorates. Credit:Timna Jacks

The operators are refusing to sign up to new contracts that would see their bus fleets, depots, staff and intellectual property rights handed to the government within 10 years.

On Thursday morning, they launched protest action by driving a 'Don't trust Labor' bus along the Nepean Highway between Elsternwick and Frankston.

The slogan, written in bold black, red and white letters, covers sides of the vehicle, which was is not in service, and not carrying any passengers.