British Columbia’s public transport provider, BC Transit, has announced the purchase of 66 electric buses from Nova Bus and New Flyer. This procurement is part of a broader initiative announced in 2019 to convert the fleet of over 1,000 vehicles to electric drive.
“With this order, we are taking a significant stride towards achieving our vision of a fully electric bus fleet,” said BC Transit spokesperson in a statement. “These buses will not only help reduce our carbon footprint but also provide a quieter and smoother ride for our passengers.”
The funding for this initiative, totaling CAD 395 million (€272 million), was secured last year, with the federal and provincial governments contributing over 300 million. BC Transit will cover the remaining 67 million dollars (46.2 million euros).
The 66 new electric buses are expected to arrive in early 2025 and be completed by mid-2026. BC Transit has not yet disclosed the specifications of these vehicles.
In addition to the bus purchases, BC Transit plans to install approximately 134 new electric bus charging points in various communities over the next two years. The communities set to receive these charging points include Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and Whistler. Bus allocations to each community will be confirmed as the projects progress.
