TTC signs agreement with PowerON for zero-emission charging infrastructure

Feb. 14, 2022

PowerON will design, build, co-invest and operate the charging and related electrical infrastructure for TTC.

Toronto Transit Commission has signed an agreement with PowerON for charging infrastructure to support the transit provider's zero-emission fleet.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board of Commissioners approved a 20-year agreement on Feb. 10 with PowerON, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, that will see PowerON design, build, co-invest and operate the charging and related electrical infrastructure to support TTC’s electrification efforts.

PowerON notes this represents a “first-of-its-kind partnership between public agencies and corporations working together to deliver full-fleet electrification.”

"PowerON's partnership with the TTC, Canada's largest transit system, is a clear example of how OPG and its subsidiary companies are progressing innovative and effective climate change solutions," said OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick. "As Ontario's largest power generator and clean technology innovator, OPG is well positioned to lead the drive for economy-wide decarbonization while balancing economic and environmental benefits and Ontario's electricity needs."

PowerON explains the province’s clean energy grid is more than 90 percent carbon-free and it recognizes applying its expertise to other sectors, such as transportation, is crucial to meeting climate change goals.

"Electrification is the future of public transit and I'm proud that the TTC continues to be an industry leader in this regard," said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson. "This new infrastructure is a critical step toward achieving the TTC and city of Toronto's goal to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. The TTC Board wholeheartedly supports the organization's innovative plans and we look forward to working with PowerON to achieve a zero-emissions fleet by 2040."

TTC first introduced electric buses into service in 2019 and is pursuing its transition to a zero-emission fleet using an approach that involves three major manufacturers. TTC evaluated the differences between all three electric bus models, including the effect of how they charge on overall performance, through a head-to-head comparison to inform future procurements of battery-electric buses. The transit provider operates 60 battery-electric buses, the largest fleet in Canada and third largest in North America.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.