TransLink has announced they are rapidly expanding their plans to decarbonize their fleet as part of its newly released Climate Action Plan.
The company, which is responsible for the regional transportation network of Metro Vancouver in British Columbia, plans to add over 600 electric buses by 2030.
In the short term, the company is adding 155 electric buses by late 2025. Then by 2030, the company wants to add 460 electric buses.
The plan will also see TransLink add the necessary charging infrastructure at its new Marpole Transit Centre, which is under construction.
As well will see renovations at its Hamilton, Port Coquitlam and Burnaby transit centres to support the addition of the busses.
TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn had this to say at the announcement:
While only one per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from public transit, we know it’s important to do our part to combat climate change. Our aim is to reduce our emissions to zero while also reducing the number of cars on the road; that’s why we’re taking these bold steps to demonstrate our leadership on the path to reaching net-zero.
The announcement did not confirm what brand would be fulfilling orders in British Columbia.
Currently, TransLink runs four electric NovaBus’s, and is planning to add another 15 new e-buses from NovaBus in the next few months.