February 27, 2024 – A study examining how to advance the electrification of provincially owned school bus fleets in Atlantic Canada is underway, courtesy of combined funding of $495,000 from the federal government and the governments of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Nova Scotia (through the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training).

(Prince Edward Island has already initiated the conversion of its school bus fleet, and is not included in this study.)

The study aims to develop a roadmap that will “enhance the provinces’ knowledge of zero-emission transportation, and provide valuable insights for decisions needed to proceed with the electrification”, says Infrastructure Canada.

This roadmap will delve into infrastructure requirements, timelines, emissions reductions, and long-term cost savings.

The overall objective, says Infrastructure Canada, is to help determine the requirements for electrification and assess the feasibility of transitioning up to 1250 school buses in New Brunswick, up to 326 school buses in Newfoundland & Labrador, and up to 1300 school buses in Nova Scotia.

Ottawa is spending $396,000 on this project through the Zero-Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). The Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training, meantime, is contributing $99,000.