On March 8th City Council approved the purchase of up to ten battery-electric buses and four high powered overhead on-street electric charging stations.
The Pan-Ontario Electric Bus Demonstration & Integration Trial is a unique partnership model that is the first of its kind; involving multiple levels of government, bus manufacturers, system integrators and funding partners collaborating in an unprecedented way on breakthrough technology to improve the environment. Project partners include the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), suppliers of the fully electric buses Nova Bus and New Flyer, and charging station manufacturers ABB and Siemens.
The new 100 per cent battery electric buses will be launched on two existing conventional routes in Brampton, routes 23 Sandalwood and 26 Mount Pleasant, with new overhead charging stations at the Mount Pleasant Village terminal, the Queen Street/ Highway 50 Züm station, and the Sandalwood Transit Facility.
The fully electric buses could hit Brampton's streets as early as spring 2018. Total capital costs for the project are anticipated at $13.6 million. These costs are expected to be offset through funding from other levels of government.
This investment demonstrates the City's commitment to a connected, innovative, inclusive and bold Brampton. The partnership will result in a better understanding of battery electric bus technology and will prepare Brampton Transit to meet the future growth demands of the City, reduce fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Quotes:
"As a fast-growing Canadian city undergoing major urban intensification, Brampton's public transit users expect and deserve leading-edge technology and superior services. We are excited that Brampton is the host for the electric bus pilot project that is based on an innovative partnership model. This initiative demonstrates our world leading commitment to bringing strategic, future-ready transit solutions that are environmentally friendly and help move our people more efficiently."
- Mayor Linda Jeffrey
"Mandated to support this kind of industry-led collaboration in low-carbon mobility innovations, CUTRIC is very proud to have been part of this Canadian first, and see integrated zero-emissions solutions be put into practice in Brampton," remarked Josipa Petrunic, CUTRIC Executive Director and CEO . "We are showing the world Canada is a leader in driving down emissions, improving transportation, and creating greener, cleaner and more mobile communities."
- Josipa Petrunic, CUTRIC Executive Director and CEO
Quick facts:
CUTRIC is a research and development organization and was incorporated in August 2014, with the objective to help drive innovation in transportation across Canada, leading to job growth and economic development.
Brampton Transit continues to participate with CUTRIC as the lead transit agency in the planning and execution of the battery-electric bus trial.
Electric bus Quick Facts:
- Electric buses create operation efficiencies through expected decrease fuel consumption, reduce GHG emissions, and avoid wasted assets.
- The electric buses proposed for the trial will take approximately 3-5 minutes to receive a full charge from the high powered overhead chargers.
- Ontario's Smart-Grid technology (a near zero emissions electricity generation and distribution system) will provide environmentally friendly electricity to power the zero-emission e-buses.
- Electricity is stored in large batteries located on top of the bus resulting in zero emissions and significant environmental benefits.
- Vehicle braking recharges energy back to the batteries.
- Electric buses produce less climate-affecting GHGs and smog-inducing noxious pollutants.
- With no diesel engine in the bus, passengers
