To help reach a goal of a future with net-zero emissions, the Government of Canada announced this week a massive investment to electrify transit systems across the country.
Announced by Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne, the government will invest $2.75 billion over five years to enhance and electrify public transit systems.
Beginning this year, the funds will be used to help purchase both public transit and school buses.
“Better public transit, cleaner air, quieter streets, and a planet safe for our kids – that’s the goal of our investment in zero-emission buses across Canada. By making this investment, we’re tackling climate change while creating good jobs and supporting manufacturing right now, here at home. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities,” said McKenna
The funding is part of a greater $14.9 billion public transit investment announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month. The program will support municipalities across Canada with the transition to electric, and help reach the government’s goal of purchasing 5,000 zero-emission buses over the next five years.
There are already a number of Canadian cities with electric buses, or plans to purchase them. Translink in Metro Vancouver recently announced a purchase of 15 electric buses.
The Toronto Transit Commission has 60 electric buses in its fleet, making it one of the largest electric bus fleets in North America.
