Metrolinx rolls out EV buses in Oshawa, Mississauga, Toronto and Milton

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Published May 15, 2023 at 3:15 pm

The electric revolution for GO Transit got its first charge today on four routes, including two originating in Oshawa.

Customers on GO Bus routes 92 (Oshawa-Yorkdale) and 96B (Oshawa-Finch Express), as well as the 19 Mississauga -North York route and 27 Milton-North York route have the chance to ride one of the EV buses in this next phase of the trial project, which supports Metrolinx’s commitment to sustainability.

The company said the routes were chosen based on distances the buses can travel and time needed for recharging. Testing has shown that these buses can travel about 225km in colder temperatures and about 300km in warmer temperatures without needing a charge.

Customers will know they are boarding an extra green GO Bus by the unique lightning bolt and giant plug design on the side. These buses are also equipped with USB chargers for passengers to charge their personal devices for power on-the-GO.

The placement of the batteries will change how luggage is stored. Customers will load and offload their luggage toward the back of the bus from both the inside and the outside, unlike the rest of the fleet.

Customers onboard are expected to experience a quieter ride, and Metrolinx said that to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, sounds and messages will play outside the bus to provide a warning when the bus is turning and reversing.

Each bus is powered by nine batteries and can be fully charged in approximately three to four hours. The buses are also equipped with seatbelts.

Metrolinx will monitor the performance of the EV GO Buses and will use that information to determine potential future expansion of the program.

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