A trio of projects in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, received financial backing from the federal, provincial and municipal sources that will allow the city to purchase 65 new buses and construct a new bus storage facility.
Stakeholders hope these improvements will encourage more residents to choose public transit by providing them with more frequent and reliable bus service.
“Guelph is a fast-growing region, and our government is building Ontario together with our municipal partners by investing in transit infrastructure that will keep pace and build for the future," said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure, Ontario. "These projects will protect the environment, reduce congestion, improve commutes, connect neighborhoods and businesses, and connect people to jobs."
The three projects total more than C$178 million (US$136.49 million) and include the replacement 35 diesel buses with long-range electric battery buses along with the installation of on-route charging stations; the purchase of 30 additional electric buses that will add capacity to the public transit fleet while reducing emissions and protecting the environment and the construction of a new bus storage facility. The storage facility will be in Guelph and will store up to 200 vehicles, as well as include electric charging stations for the new bus fleet.
“Communities across Canada need access to modern, green public transit infrastructure. It’s essential to building a healthy, sustainable future,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Adding electric buses to Guelph’s growing fleet is an excellent example of how we are working with our partners to build resilient infrastructure that meets community needs and supports a low carbon future for Canadians.”
The government of Canada is investing more than C$40 million (US$30.67 million) in this project through the Public Transit Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The government of Ontario is providing more than C$33 million (US$25.3 million), while the municipal share will be C$104 million (US$79.75 million).
“The city is grateful to the federal and provincial governments for their support of these exciting transit projects. This is a milestone moment for Guelph as we work to ensure our transit and transportation systems are future ready,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.
