OAKVILLE TRANSIT'S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES UNVEILED

Oakville Transit's first electric buses have arrived.

The zero-emission battery-electric buses were recently unveiled during a ceremony at the Oakville Transit Operations Facility.

The 20-foot e-Jest model buses, which are manufactured by Karsan, were delivered to the town in January and are scheduled to hit the streets in spring.

Town staff say these specialized buses will be used to deliver transit services such as care-A-van, Home to Hub and Ride On-Demand.

They also said the town is on track to acquire 15 larger zero-emission battery-electric buses to be used for conventional services in early 2024.

Over the next five years, the town plans to convert approximately 50 per cent of Oakville Transit's fleet from diesel to electric.

This first phase of Oakville Transit's electrification has been made possible with help from the federal government, which has contributed nearly $5.3 million, and the provincial government, which has contributed $4.4 million.

The town has invested more than $3.5 million.

"Today's unveiling of Oakville Transit's first-ever electric buses is an important milestone in advancing council's efforts to create a thriving and livable Oakville for today and future generations," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

"Reducing the town's greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint, while modernizing and expanding our transit services, is critical to the health and well-being of our community. Thanks to funding from the town and our federal and provincial partners through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, we're moving forward to provide innovative and environmentally friendly transit service for Oakville."

Oakville North—Burlington MP Pam Damoff, Oakville MP Anita Anand, Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford, Oakville North—Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos and Oakville council members were also present at the unveiling ceremony.

"Upgrading Oakville's specialized bus fleet with zero-emission, electric vehicles is a big step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government

of Canada's support for green and sustainable infrastructure is helping to combat climate change and ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians," said Damoff.

"The introduction of the zero-emission battery-electric specialized buses demonstrates Oakville's commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly community, which will contribute to meeting our 2050 target of achieving net-zero emissions."

Crawford noted the provincial government is committed to supporting municipal transit in Oakville and communities across Ontario.

"Oakville Transit's new, electric buses will provide safe and reliable options for commuters while reducing local air and noise pollution," he said.

To support battery charging for the electric buses, 10 charging stations have been installed at Oakville Transit's operations facility.

Town staff noted diesel fuel is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Oakville.

They said providing public transit services with battery-operated electric buses will have a significant positive impact on the town's corporate goal to reduce GHG emissions by 80 per cent from 2014 levels by 2050.

Staff also noted electric buses do not produce harmful exhaust emissions or other greenhouse gases, are more energy-efficient, quieter, provide a smoother experience for passengers, and use fewer parts than standard diesel buses, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for public transit systems.

In 2020, the federal and provincial governments along with the Town of Oakville announced a more than $66-million investment in Oakville Transit.

It was noted the investment would replace 57 diesel buses with electric buses, plus add another 16 electric buses to expand Oakville Transit's fleet.

That investment was also intended to cover the cost of installing 32 charging stations and various improvements to make Oakville Transit more accessible.

Of that investment, $22.1 million was to come from the province while the federal government would contribute $26.5 million and the town would contribute $17.6 million.