The Canadian government has earmarked 76 million Canadian dollars (51.5 million euros) to facilitate the purchase of 180 electric buses for York Region in Ontario, underscoring efforts to enhance sustainable public transport infrastructure.
“Canadians need to get to work with less traffic, more comfort, and clean air – that’s what public transit is all about,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “With today’s announcement, York Region will soon have 180 new zero-emission buses and the chargers to go with it.”
Funded through Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), the initiative aims to support communities in transitioning to zero-emission public transport systems. In addition to the bus procurement, the investment includes infrastructure enhancements at depots and along routes, including 91 chargers at existing transit facilities and 14 on-route chargers.
The breakdown of funds between bus acquisition and infrastructure development was not detailed in the press release, which also lacked specific timelines beyond York Region’s goal to achieve a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2050.
Further financing will come from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), providing a loan of 136 million Canadian dollars (approximately €92 million), supplemented by a 177 million Canadian dollar (about €120 million) investment from the Regional Municipality of York.
“Our government is making our transit system fairer, with innovative, climate-friendly, and affordable options to get you where you need to be,” Trudeau added.
The initiative aligns with Canada’s broader environmental objectives and commitments to reducing emissions in the transportation sector, promoting cleaner air and sustainable mobility solutions.
