More communities in British Columbia will benefit from new electric buses and charging infrastructure.
66 eBuses are on order from two pre-qualified suppliers, Nova Bus and New Flyer.
Additionally, nine communities throughout BC have transit electrification infrastructure projects getting started.
Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, states: “Innovation in our public transit system helps us create a greener future for everyone. As we start to electrify our transit fleet more people will be able to make cleaner transportation choices affordably.”
“The communities of B.C. will soon be seeing new electrical infrastructure for their transit needs,” he adds.
In total, BC Transit expects to install approximately 134 new electric bus charging points over the next two years in Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria and Whistler.
Bus allocations to each community will be confirmed as the projects progress.
BC Transit anticipates that the 66 buses will arrive incrementally starting in early 2025 and completing mid-2026.
In addition, BC Transit will be procuring more units to support previously announced funding and will share specific details in future announcements.
It’s worth remembering that funding totaling 395.5 million dollars for buses and infrastructure was announced in July 2023.
Costs are shared with the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and local government partners.
In total, BC Transit expects to procure 115 new battery electric buses under this funding.
Funding from the Government of Canada is being provided through the Zero Emission Transit Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, says: “This investment not only expands essential public transportation services in our communities, it also underscores our commitment to transitioning public transit to electric power, lowering emissions, improving localized air quality, making our communities quieter, and ultimately more liveable.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit: “Electrification of our fleet is a significant part of our plan to reduce GHG emissions and ensure a cleaner and healthier future for everyone.”
“With other active procurements underway and work advancing on charging infrastructure designs in communities, it’s an exciting time for BC Transit and our partners!,” she adds.
