British Columbia’s public transit receives over $395.5 million boost

Credit: BC Transit

In a joint announcement, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Country, along with the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit, has unveiled a significant investment exceeding $395.5 million to support public transit in British Columbia.

The investment will enable BC Transit to acquire up to 115 battery electric buses (BEBs) and install 134 charging points, facilitating the deployment of these eco-friendly buses in communities across the province.

The initiative aims to expand clean public transportation options, aligning with the Government of Canada’s objective of having 5,000 zero-emission public transit and school buses on Canada’s roads by 2026. It also supports British Columbia’s CleanBC emission reduction goals and BC Transit’s transition to an electric fleet by 2040.

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By expanding the BEB fleet and installing charging infrastructure, the investment is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, enhance service experience and promote increased use of public transit among British Columbians.

“With a combined federal and provincial investment of over $395 million, we are making a game changing investment in public transit across British Columbia. By procuring 115 new electric buses and charging infrastructure, we are strengthening the connections in our communities, reducing congestion and making transportation more accessible and healthier for all. This investment will make a meaningful contribution in our plan to eliminate emissions from the transportation sector, which represents the second largest source of emissions in Canada,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Country.

“This is an important investment to support electric bus expansion in British Columbia. By investing in modern electric buses and infrastructure for communities across the province, we provide people with more access to clean and convenient transit services which helps build a sustainable future for generations to come, prioritising the wellbeing of both people and the environment,” said the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.