180 electric buses and over 100 chargers will be purchased in York, Canada, thanks to Federal funding

The Canadian government is pouring $76 million to help York Region build an electric bus fleet and reach net-zero by 2050. It was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alongside the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of York, Wayne Emmerson.

This project is also supported by an investment of $177 million from the Regional Municipality of York.

180 e-buses, 105 chargers for York, Canada

Supported by this funding, York Region will get 180 zero-emission buses, 91 battery electric chargers, and 14 on-route chargers. The funding is provided through the federal government’s Zero Emission Transit Fund. The ZETF is closely co-ordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Zero-Emission Buses Initiative, which to date has committed more than $1.5 billion toward a target of 5,000 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) across the country.

York Region’s three existing transit facilities that will house the zero-emission buses will also be upgraded with solar power and battery energy storage systems, further reducing emissions and growing clean-energy alternatives, the government states.

In addition to the federal investment, this project is supported by a $136 million loan announced last year by the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

“Canadians need to get to work with less traffic, more comfort, and clean air – that’s what public transit is all about. With today’s announcement, York Region will soon have 180 new zero-emission buses and the chargers to go with it. Our government is making our transit system fairer, with innovative, climate-friendly, and affordable options to get you where you need to be”, says Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.

Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, says: “York Region’s transition to electric buses is a critical step toward reducing emissions for decades to come. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $136 million loan, combined with the Zero Emission Transit Fund grant, supports much cleaner and quieter public transportation for residents.”

Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of York: “Access to safe and efficient transportation options continues to be a top priority for York Regional Council and the more than 1.25 million residents who call our communities home. With the support of the Government of Canada and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, we are able to further increase access to public transit in a way that supports the Council’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”