Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) will add 20 new zero-emission buses to its fleet in the near future thanks to an agreement between the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The agreement in principle calls for CIB to invest C$14.4 million (US$11.89 million) to purchase the new vehicles. CIB explains the buses contribute to the city’s shift toward more sustainable transportation, a lower carbon footprint and a higher-quality transit service.
ETS has 40 Proterra-manufactured electric buses that entered service in early August 2020. The buses use in-depot overhead infrastructure to charge.
“We are excited to be on the forefront of transit electrification in Canada and to offer Edmontonians a clean, quiet and comfortable ride. Electric buses not only contribute to a more sustainable transportation option for our riders, but also cost savings for taxpayers through lower operating and maintenance expenses,” said ETS Branch Manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald.
The CIB’s zero-emission bus initiative includes C$1.5 billion (US$1.24 billion) to assist public transit agencies and school bus operators transition their fleets to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles. In March, the government of Canada committed an additional C$2.75 billion (US$2.17 billion) over and above the CIB funds to help transportation providers transition to electric power. The federal government has a goal to help purchase 5,000 zero-emission buses over the next five years.
The agreement between the city and CIB is subject to final due diligence and approval by the CIB Board.
