CUTRIC launches ZEB joint procurement initiative, CUTZEB

Feb. 21, 2023

CUTZEB will support transit agencies in the procurement of turn-key zero-emission transit technologies.

Guelph Transit took delivery of its first electric bus at the end of January 2023. A new procurement initiative launched by CUTRIC, CUTZEB, will assist small and mid-sized transit agencies in Canada procure turn-key zero-emission transit technologies.

The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has launched the Canadian Urban Transit Zero Emissions Bus (CUTZEB™) joint procurement initiative that will have a singular focus: Support Canadian public transit agencies in the procurement of turn-key zero emission transit technologies.

The technology-oriented organization will work with agencies to pursue implementation of battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and their respective charging and hydrogen fueling systems. CUTRIC explains CUTZEB brings together small to mid-sized agencies in Canada to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective joint procurement process.

“CUTZEB is the logical extension of CUTRIC’s important work to help transit agencies verify the performance claims of zero-emission bus manufacturers,” said Chris Hill, chair of CUTZEB’s Board of Directors and program manager for Fleet Planning with the city of Guelph. “A well-planned procurement that includes electrical supply and charging equipment, as well as buses, is critical to the successful deployment of this new technology.”

CUTRIC explains many transit agencies, in particular smaller agencies, face gaps in financial and technological processes surrounding zero-emission fleet transitions and deployments. A recent report from CALSTART, 2023 Zeroing in on ZEBs, included data showing Ontario, which hosts nearly 40 percent of the country’s population, had more than double the ZEBs than the other provinces combined.

CUTRIC says CUTZEB will expedite commercial-scale deployment of ZEB technologies and plans to complete multiple rounds of joint procurements to support the government of Canada’s zero-emission bus target of 5,000 ZEBs by 2026 while bringing together small to mid-sized transit agencies.

“We knew that transit agencies wanting to electrify their fleets didn’t just want buses or chargers, but turn-key solutions — the buses, the chargers, the installation, the maintenance and everything in between. They wanted all of that in a package that could be delivered by a consortium, which is where the idea for CUTZEB emerged,” said Josipa Petrunic, president and CEO of CUTRIC and CUTZEB. “Now, with CUTRIC and CUTZEB working synergistically, we can ensure there is comprehensive support behind transit agencies and municipalities to undertaking zero emission bus electrification and planning studies, and therefore getting one step close to reaching zero-emission fleet goals.”

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.