The government of Canada is contributing 350 million CAD towards the purchase of 350 electric buses and their related charging infrastructure for use in Ottawa, Ontario.
The new electric buses will replace current diesel-powered buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance OC Transpo’s mission to operate a fully zero-exhaust-emission bus fleet by 2036.
His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa said:Any investment in public transit in Ottawa is an investment in the environment. With the new funding for our zero-emissions bus program the Government of Canada is contributing to these shared and critical priorities. These new buses will help OC Transpo continue its work towards reducing greenhouse gases and convert our fleet to zero-emission electric fuel.
To enable this transition, the City will install the necessary charging infrastructure, build a new vehicle storage facility and upgrade two existing ones.
This investment is also expected to create jobs, improve the passenger experience and reduce gridlock.
The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier said:Continued prosperity in the 21st century will depend on our ability to innovate and respond to the climate crisis. Canadian cities are rethinking their infrastructure needs to support a growing population with increasing transit needs. The Government of Canada's significant investment in the electrification of Ottawa's bus fleet will help the city reduce street noise, pollution, and energy costs, while simultaneously bolstering the local economy.
