A joint investment of more than C$11.9 million (US$8.8 million) between the government of Canada, the government of Nova Scotia and the Kings Transit Authority will support the purchase of zero-emission buses (ZEBs), hybrid transit vehicles and related infrastructure in Kings County.
The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 is planning and Phase 2 is construction and implementation. Phase 1 will help identify the appropriate fleet vehicles and fleet size, as well as the optimal type and location of charging infrastructure, assess the current facilities, make recommendations for upgrades or replacement and estimate timelines and costs associated with Phase 2.
In Phase 2, the Kings Transit Authority fleet will transition to ZEBs and hybrid transit vehicles. The transit authority will expand their facility to house up to four 40-foot ZEBs, seven 15-passenger hybrid-electric vehicles and one Hybrid-Electric Supervisor Safety Response Unit. The expanded facility will include space for fleet maintenance and chargers. The facility will also get an electrical upgrade and protection from weather during the winter months, extending the life of the fleet. There will also be supporting charging infrastructure installed throughout Kings County in Waterville, Greenwood, Canning, Avonport, Coldbrook at the Municipality County of Kings building and Alysford Lake Beach.
The new vehicles will provide an enhanced passenger experience with features such as audible next stop announcements and LED signage, public Wi-Fi, and upgraded bus security systems that will include real-time camera viewing, automatic Wi-Fi uploading and emergency real-time contact options. The transit authority will install driver-monitoring devices to provide a safer passenger experience and implement contactless fare options via mobile applications.
“Reliable public transit systems contribute to making our communities good places to live. That’s why we’re investing more than $4.7 million to transition the Kings Transit Authority fleet to zero-emission buses and hybrid transit vehicles. This project will improve the rider experience in Kings County and reduce the region’s carbon footprint, contributing to provincial and federal climate mitigation efforts,” said Kody Blois, member of parliament for Kings-Hants.
The government of Canada is investing C$4.7 million (US$3.4 million) in the project while the government of Nova Scotia is investing C$3.9 million (US$2.8 million) and the Kings Transit Authority is investing C$3.1 million (US$2.2 million). The government of Canada’s funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream, 10 projects have been funded in Nova Scotia, with a total federal contribution of more than C$71 million (US$52.5 million) and a total provincial contribution of more than C$59 (US$43.7 million).
The government of Canada is investing C$14.9 billion (US$11.73 billion) over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This includes C$3 billion (US$2.36 billion) per year in permanent, predictable, federal public transit funding, which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-2027.
Since 2015, the government of Canada has invested more than C$24.8 billion (US$18.6 billion) in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the government of Canada is investing more than C$180 billion (US$133 billion) over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
“Kings Transit Authority’s Board thanks and commends our funding partners who have paved the way for an exciting shift toward more modern, efficient and affordable public transit in the Annapolis Valley — enabling all of us to improve our environmental footprint by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Peter Muttart, mayor of Kings County and chair of the Kings Transit Authority Board.
