May 10, 2024 – BC Transit says more communities in British Columbia will benefit from new electric buses, with 66 on order from two pre-qualified suppliers: Nova Bus and New Flyer.

In addition, the transit authority says nine communities throughout the province have transit electrification infrastructure projects underway.

In total, BC Transit expects to install about 134 new bus charging points over the next two years in Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and Whistler.

Bus allocations to each community will be confirmed as the projects progress.

“Electrification of our fleet is a significant part of our plan to reduce GHG emissions […]” said Erinn Pinkerton, president & CEO, BC Transit. “With other active procurements underway and work advancing on charging infrastructure designs in communities, it’s an exciting time for BC Transit and our partners!”

BC Transit anticipates that the 66 buses will arrive incrementally, starting in early 2025 and completing mid-2026. (That said, BC Transit will be procuring even more electric buses, and will share details in future announcements.)

Funding totalling $395.5 million for buses and infrastructure was announced in July 2023. The costs are shared with the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, and local government partners. In total, BC Transit expects to procure 115 battery electric buses with this funding.

Funding from Ottawa is provided through the Zero-Emission Transit Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.