Canada commits funding to help transit systems transition to electric power

The government of Canada has committed C$2.75 billion (US$2.17 billion) over the next five years toward helping transportation providers transition to electric power. The funding is part of the C$14.9 billion (US$11.73 billion) in dedicated transit investment announced in February.

“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 Canada Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna. “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.”

The federal funding is in addition to the C$1.5 billion (US$1.18 billion) the Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed to zero-emission buses and associated infrastructure as part of its three-year Growth Plan. The newly announced funding will start in 2021 and, according to the Canadian government, “support municipalities, transit authorities and school boards with transition planning, increase ambition on the electrification of transit systems and deliver on the government’s commitment to help purchase 5,000 zero-emission buses over the next five years.”

The government explains Canada’s transportation sector accounts for 25 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s existing programs have supported the purchase of 300 zero-emission buses, including 15 new battery-electric buses for TransLink in Vancouver, British Columbia, which was funded in part from the federal Gas Tax Fund and 65 electric buses in Guelph, Ontario, which was funded in part through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. ..............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/article/21213032/canada-commits-funding-to-help-transit-systems-transition-to-electric-power