September 16, 2021 – As we learned back in May, Infrastructure Canada has unveiled a $2.75-billion Zero Emission Transit Fund: a five-year national program that will help communities invest in zero emission public transit and school transportation options by switching to electrical power, and supporting the purchase of ZE public transit and school buses and associated infrastructure.

“Zero emissions transit projects are as complex as they are transformative. They not only require the purchasing of vehicles, but also charging infrastructure, feasibility studies, ongoing empirical analysis, and retrofitting of depot and storage facilities,” said the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) in response to this news, adding “A dedicated funding program specifically designed for zero emissions transit projects recognizes the unique nature of these ventures […]”.

SEE ALSO How would you spend $2.75B+ on zero emissions transit? – our interview with Dr. Josipa Petrunić, president & CEO of CUTRIC (May 2021).

The funding is part of a $14.9-billion federal investment in public transit over eight years. It will support municipalities, transit authorities and school boards as they transition to, or expand, the electrification of their bus fleets. It also supports the government as it delivers on its commitment to help purchase 5000 zero emission buses over the next five years.

Meantime, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has committed to investing $1.5 billion in ZE buses through its three-year Growth Plan, says Infrastructure Canada. These funds complement Infrastructure Canada’s funding for ZE transportation through this program.

Ottawa says it also seeks not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions with whom they can partner to advance supports for the planning of transit bus fleet electrification across Canada.

Detailed information can be found on the Zero Emission Transit Fund website.