On Monday, May 15, TransLink began a three-month test of an electric battery-powered bus. It is one of a number of environmentally friendly bus technology trials TransLink plans to launch as part of its commitment to helping the region meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
The bus in this demo, supplied by BYD Canada at no cost to TransLink, uses slow-charge technology with an advertised range of approximately 250 kilometers on a single charge. It will be recharged nightly at the Vancouver Transit Centre where our electric trolley fleet is based, and will run on routes in Vancouver.
This trial allows us to test the bus on our system, and assess its performance from a bus operator, maintenance and customer-satisfaction standpoint.
TransLink is developing a Low-Carbon Fleet Strategy to reduce the emissions of our fleet across the region as part of the rollout of the10-Year Vision developed by the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. Already, almost half of TransLink’s fleet of approximately 1,400 buses is comprised of cleaner-technology buses, including 262 electric trolleys, 116 compressed natural gas (CNG) and 252 hybrid diesel buses.
We will be launching a second electric bus trial next year and will have more details to share soon.
Kevin Desmond, TransLink chief executive officer, said, “The launch of this electric bus trial is part of TransLink’s commitment to innovation, from finding better ways to deliver customer service to capitalizing on new technology that reduces our environmental impact. Transit already removes thousands of cars off the road each day, and through developing a Low-Carbon Fleet Strategy we aim to accelerate the progress we’ve made in helping the region meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets.”
Gregor Robertson, mayor, city of Vancouver, said, “It’s fantastic to see new electric buses hit Vancouver streets as part of the Mayors’ Council’s 10-Year Vision. By replacing fossil-fuel and diesel-powered buses with zero-emission ones, we’re reducing our pollution while giving bus users cleaner and quieter rides. I’m looking forward to seeing more zero-emission buses on Metro Vancouver roads, as TransLink explores the best and greenest electric bus technology to transform its fleet.”
Ted Dowling, regional vice president, BYD Canada, said, “BYD applauds the leadership of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond and CMBC President Haydn Acheson. This trial is all about proving that you can put a long-range, zero-emission battery-electric bus into regular service and challenges the need for fossil fuel. BYD has delivered 15,000 of these zero emission buses worldwide, contributing to the removal of more than 8.2 million tonnes of C02 annually."