Canada, study project for zero-emission buses in Alberta launched

The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) announced the Alberta Municipality Constellation project: a $550,092 joint investment with FortisAlberta to support numerous regions across the province in studying the deployment of zero-emission buses. 

CUTRIC and the launch of the study project

The Government of Canada is contributing $440,074 to this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) FortisAlberta is contributing $110,018. The Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Zero-emission Bus Initiative through which the CIB has committed more than $1.5 billion to supporting the deployment of zero emission buses.

The Alberta Municipality Constellation project is a comprehensive study to inform the procurement and deployment of zero emission buses for nine transit agencies — Airdrie, Banff/Bow Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Rocky View, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County, and Whitecourt — in Alberta through the assessment of economic, technical, and environmental elements associated with this transition.

The study, led by CUTRIC and FortisAlberta, is conducted in collaboration with local municipalities and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). The project, CUTRIC states, will guide local transit agencies in planning for the integration of zero emission buses in the coming years and provide a modeling study of regional energy requirements to ensure needs can be met.

“This first-of-its-kind project symbolizes the power of collaboration, bringing together municipalities and FortisAlberta to pave the way for zero-emission vehicles in the years ahead. Through this endeavour, we aim to not only address the evolving energy needs of these regions, but also serve as a catalyst for positive change in the realm of sustainable transportation. We are confident that the outcomes of this study will guide our partner agencies in strategic planning and decision-making, fostering a cleaner, greener future for communities in Alberta. We at CUTRIC are excited to lead the way toward innovative and climate-friendly public transportation”, says Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium.

“The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is committed to further the introduction of low emission vehicles and the related infrastructure into our region. Operating in and around Banff National Park, it is critical that we respect the environment and are on the leading edge of reducing emissions in the operation of our transit services. Involvement in the Fortis and CUTRIC project is a critical step to informing our continued transition journey and we are excited to be a part of this initiative!”, adds Martin Bean, CEO, Roam Transit.