Brampton Mayor gets a charge out of new 2.75-billion federal fund for electric buses

 

Brampton Transit’s move to electric buses just received a jolt of government support.

The move to replace public transit fleets from diesel to electric buses across Canada got a big push on Thursday after the federal government announced a $2.75-billion fund to help get things rolling.

The new financial support is in addition to the $1.5-billion in funding for electric buses announced earlier this year by the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Brampton mayor Patrick Brown shared his excitement for the announcement on his social media feed.

“@BramptonTransit is ready for this new fund,” Brown said in a tweet. “Let’s build green electrified transit.”

The funding is over five years and will go towards enhancing public transit systems, moving them to electric power and also includes the purchase of zero-emission public transit and school buses.

The new fund and bank will join forces to help provide cities with direct government grants and low-interest loans to purchase the new electric buses and the charging infrastructure necessary for them to operate.

“Canadians want us to get behind smart ideas that will fight climate change and improve daily life,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“That’s why we’re investing $2.75-billion in more electric city buses and school buses, charging stations and more that support Canada’s electric transit systems.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is calling the new fund a “win-win” for the economy and the environment. One that will not only keep Canadians moving, but build better lives in communities.

“This new federal funding is welcome; municipalities and transit agencies will be able to move faster to replace diesel buses that are on the road today with low and zero-emission models,” said Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“We are already putting more electric vehicles on our streets, and this major funding to electrify transit systems across the country will reduce GHG emissions, boost local economies, and help meet Canada’s climate goals.”

The new funding is part of $14.9-billion public transit investment recently announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canada Government Photo