Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.

B.C. Transit sets route for greener buses

Jul 29, 2019 | 2:19 PM

B.C. Transit has announced its plan to have all electric buses in the next 20 years.

The organization will start buying only electric heavy duty buses in 2023, with a target of creating a fully electric provincial fleet in all vehicle classifications by 2040.

“The low carbon fleet program aligns with the Province of B.C.’s CleanBC plan, supports provincial targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and supports local government climate action goals. Moving to a fully electric bus fleet will provide customers with a cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable transportation journey,” a release from B.C. Transit said.

The plan is to start purchasing electric buses while converting to new and emerging low carbon technologies, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) which enable the use of renewable natural gas.

On July 18, the Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and B.C. Transit announced the purchase of its first 10 battery heavy duty electric buses for deployment in 2021.

BC Transit is also introducing CNG buses and fueling infrastructure to Victoria and the Central Fraser Valley. This includes the addition of 34 medium duty and 68 heavy duty to the current fleet of 128 compressed natural gas buses.

“British Columbia’s largest and fastest-growing source of carbon pollution is the transportation sector,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena said. “Changing that trend will be a challenge, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity. Many of the actions we need to take to reduce carbon emissions, such as encouraging people to choose transit over their personal vehicles and moving to a fully electric fleet, are the exact same measures that will get us out of gridlock and make our neighbourhoods more liveable, now and for future generations.”

More details about the Low Carbon Fleet Program are available online.

View Comments