York Region to purchase six electric buses for research and testing

Feb. 7, 2019

The area in southern Ontario will use federal and provincial funds to purchase the buses as part of the Pan-Canadian Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial led by CUTRIC.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Newmarket – York Regional Council in Ontario has approved the purchase of six 40-foot battery electric buses. The buses will allow the York Region to gain practical hands-on experience and allow the region to continue participating in the Pan-Canadian Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial lead by the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC).

“Investing in electric bus technology allows us to operate more efficiently and moves us closer to York Region’s commitment to producing zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2051,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “There are a number of benefits to this electric bus trial, including a reduction in fuel and maintenance cost and gaining experience and knowledge in the field of electric transit vehicles.”

The C$7.7 million purchase (US$5.83 million) includes four buses from New Flyer Industries and two from NovaBus. CUTRIC describes the demonstration and trial project as one with multiple phases of integrating standardized battery electric and hybrid electric buses with high-powered overhead charging systems across a dozen Canadian transit agencies by 2022. The Canadian government is funding a portion of the charging infrastructure and Siemens is providing support for the electrical charging equipment.

“Electric buses are one of the best options for a transit system as they do not generate greenhouse gas emissions, and with advancing technology, more and more transit agencies in North America are incorporating them into their fleet,” said King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of the Region’s Transportation Services. “Important programs like these ensure we remain innovative and are continuously improving the way we provide transit to travellers in York Region.”

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.