Ottawa receives $350 million for electric buses and support infrastructure
The federal government has announced an investment of $350 million to support the purchase of 350 zero-emission buses and install related infrastructure for Ottawa’s bus fleet.
The new electric buses will replace current diesel-powered buses in the city’s public transit fleet. Additionally, they city will install the required charging infrastructure, build a new vehicle storage facility and upgrade two existing ones, and purchase other related infrastructure to maintain and operate the battery electric buses.
“Continued prosperity in the 21st century will depend on our ability to innovate and respond to the climate crisis,” said Treasury Board President and Ottawa—Vanier MP Mona Fortier. “Canadian cities are rethinking their infrastructure needs to support a growing population with increasing transit needs. The Government of Canada’s significant investment in the electrification of Ottawa’s bus fleet will help the city reduce street noise, pollution, and energy costs, while simultaneously bolstering the local economy.”
The electrification of vehicles is a key initiative toward the City of Ottawa’s Energy Evolution Strategy goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations by 100 percent by 2040.
With the gradual phase-out of diesel buses as they reach the end of their life cycle, OC Transpo is targeting a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2036.
“Any investment in public transit in Ottawa is an investment in the environment,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “With the new funding for our zero-emissions bus program the Government of Canada is contributing to these shared and critical priorities. These new buses will help OC Transpo continue its work towards reducing greenhouse gases and convert our fleet to zero-emission electric fuel.”
At its meeting on January 25, Ottawa City Council will consider the budget authority requests to begin the procurement of zero-emission OC Transpo buses and related charging infrastructure.
This investment will create jobs, improve user experience, and help the City of Ottawa and Canada get to net-zero by 2050.
Funding from the Government of Canada is coming via the $2.75-billion Zero Emissions Transit Fund.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.