Government of Canada advances support for zero-emission buses

The Government of Canada has announced that it will be investing in the deployment of zero-emission buses across the country, to build strong communities and deliver a better quality of life for Canadians.

Successful and well-planned sustainable bus deployments are critical to encouraging the expansion and adoption of the technology, and investing in zero-emission transit will ensure that clean and inclusive communities are built throughout Canada.

Infrastructure Canada launched a Call for Applications on 10 August 2021 to identify one or more organisations that are capable of providing high quality, neutral and comprehensive planning services on fleet electrification to transit bus operators across the country.

On 30 March 2022, Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced that the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has been selected to support transit bus operators by producing comprehensive and accurate zero-emission transit bus electrification and planning studies.

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Transitioning to zero-emission buses requires careful planning and sound understanding of operational and technical differences, which is why the government is investing $10 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund over five years to allow CUTRIC to work with transit bus operators to complete planning work, and bolster readiness to transition to zero-emission transit bus fleets. This will also help communities to respond to the key challenges of transit electrification.

By supporting innovation in public transportation, the Government of Canada continues to foster new and creative solutions that support Canadian manufacturing, reduce emissions and strengthen the economy. It is also a part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to create jobs, fight climate change and rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said: “Investments in zero emission buses help to reduce pollution, support Canadian manufacturing and is an important step in meeting our 2050 target. We are proud to partner with CUTRIC to give transit operators the support they need to transition to zero emission buses and more sustainable technologies.”

Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of CUTRIC, said: “Electric and hydrogen technologies are complicated and costly. Transit agencies need the right models to predict how electric and hydrogen buses will work in their communities and what they will cost. This is a critical juncture in Canada’s history on climate action. This programme will take transit agencies from ground zero – not knowing where to start – through to full fleet electrification and decarbonisation readiness. It will set the country on a pathway towards zero-emission transit systems for the 21st century.”