This paper presents the results of a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing diesel, compressed natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell buses in the Perth bus fleet based on a well-to-wheels cost analysis of each technology. Despite its significant environmental benefits in operation, the high initial cost of the prototype hydrogen fuel cell bus means that it cannot compete financially with the fossil fuel technologies. Therefore, the study was undertaken assuming that the buses, including fuel cells, are produced under conditions of economies of scale and that a fully developed fuel infrastructure for the provision of hydrogen exists.