The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $2.75 billion (Canadian) over five years to enhance public transit systems and switch them to electrical power, including support for the purchase of zero-emission transit and school buses.

Among the providers of zero-emission transit solutions expected to benefit from the new investment are Nova Bus in Saint-Eustache, Lion Electric in Saint-Jérôme, GreenPower in Vancouver and New Flyer in Winnipeg.

Infrastructure Canada will ensure coordination between this investment and the Canada Infrastructure Bank commitment to invest $1.5 billion in zero-emission buses and associated infrastructure as part of its three-year Growth Plan. To date, Infrastructure Canada’s funding programs have supported the purchase of over 300 new zero-emission buses.

“As part of its $10 billion Growth Plan, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is committed to investing $1.5 billion in zero-emission buses,” said CIB CEO Ehren Cory. “Today’s announcement of new government funding complements the CIB’s innovative financing and accelerates the opportunity for municipalities to collaborate with us and to switch to zero-emission buses.”

“We are rolling out four electric buses on our roadways this fall as part of a pilot project,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “Today’s funding opportunity announcement allows our staff to explore how we can speed up the electrification of the OC Transpo fleet.”

“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,” said The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “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.”

Source: Government of Canada