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From left to right: John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO; Brian Reilly, Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB); Marilyn Crawford, Deputy Mayor for the Town of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee for Durham Regional Council; Doug Proska, Managing Director, EnerFORGE; Mylene Tassy, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nova Bus; Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit.
Whitby, Ontario – On April 26, Durham Region Transit (DRT) welcomed announcements from partners in support of its transition to an electric bus fleet. This milestone marks a positive step forward in DRT’s E-Mission Zero program, a suite of emission-reducing initiatives to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions through a sustainable network of vehicles, infrastructure and facilities by 2037.
Funding for electric bus pilot
DRT’s electric bus pilot project is made possible through the Canada Community-Building Fund, a federal initiative administered by Infrastructure Canada. This $12.1 million fund will assist with the purchase of six 12-metre battery electric buses and charging infrastructure.
The electric buses, to be supplied by Nova Bus, will be the Region’s first zero greenhouse gas emission vehicles in the public transit fleet and are expected to be in service by fall 2024. The required charging infrastructure for these buses will be supplied and installed by EnerFORGE, part of the Oshawa Power Group of Companies.
The addition of these electric buses will support DRT’s E-Mission Zero program, which aligns with Durham Region’s Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and Community Energy Plan.
Financing for the purchase of additional electric buses
In addition to the pilot project, Durham Region and DRT have signed a credit agreement with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), which will be used to purchase up to 98 additional electric buses. This agreement provides the Region with low interest financing of up to $62 million over the next four years.
The CIB’s loan will help cover the higher upfront capital costs of zero emission buses helping to accelerate the electrification of Durham Region’s bus fleet. Repayment of the loan is expected to be sourced from savings through the reduced maintenance and fuel costs over the life of the electric buses as compared to diesel buses.
Quotes
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to improving the quality of life of all Canadians. Through flexible funding programs like the Canada Community-Building Fund, communities across the country are able to invest more in sustainable transit projects. As a result of this funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Durham Region Transit’s new zero-emission buses will help to build a cleaner and more accessible community for residents to enjoy for many years to come.”
- Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Affordable and sustainable transit is essential to strengthening our communities, reducing emissions, and providing more equitable transportation. Through this significant investment in zero-emission buses for Durham Region Transit, our government remains committed to building a cleaner and more accessible future for all communities in Canada.”
- The Honourable Mark Holland, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for Ajax
“In terms of helping build sustainable communities, today’s announcement means Durham Region can leap forward. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing $62 million to purchase up to 98 electric buses across our region. This is a massive win for our communities, and will improve public transportation and decrease operating costs, while reducing emissions and protecting our environment. Investments like this improve community infrastructure, build a more prosperous economy, and fight climate change.”
- Ryan Turnbull, Member of Parliament for Whitby
“Durham Region is delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in achieving the goals outlined in the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan. We are grateful for the funding provided through the Canada Community-Building Fund to assist DRT with the launch of the electric bus pilot; and additional financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank that will help sustain the benefits of electric buses into the future.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“DRT looks forward to strengthening our partnership with Nova Bus and EnerFORGE, part of the Oshawa Power Group of Companies, as we embark on this next step towards achieving our goals of combatting climate change, while providing excellent customer service.”
- Marilyn Crawford, Deputy Mayor for the Town of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee for Durham Regional Council
“The introduction of these first battery electric buses will allow us to assess and plan for our transition to a full fleet of zero-emission vehicles by 2037. The financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank is a key step towards achieving our E-Mission Zero goals and we look forward to serving our communities while supporting a sustainable future for the Region.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
“The CIB has committed over $1.5 billion towards more than 5,000 zero emission buses to date. Our investment will bring Durham Region one step closer to reaching its goal of net zero. We are proud our partnership will help Durham provide more sustainable public transportation for residents today and into the future.”
- Ehren Cory, Canada Infrastructure Bank
“We are proud and honoured to partner with DRT to provide the Region with its very first electric buses. This is an important milestone for the Region and for Nova Bus, as we are collectively working towards greener transit: we are delighted to support our partners in their transition to zero emission fleets.”
- Ralph Acs, President of Nova Bus
“The Oshawa Power Group of Companies, through its energy services brand EnerFORGE, is pleased to support The Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Region Transit with the installation of six eBus charging stations, supporting their E-Mission Zero program. This initial phase of eBus infrastructure sets the foundation for providing clean and reliable public transit for the community.”
- Doug Proska, Managing Director, EnerFORGE
ABOUT REGION OF DURHAM
Durham Region is—simply—more. Located on the eastern side of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.
ABOUT DURHAM REGION TRANSIT
Durham Region Transit (DRT) is one of Ontario's largest regional transit systems, serving eight unique area municipalities: Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby. We offer seamless connections to destinations across Durham Region and The Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. DRT operates an innovative suite of services, including scheduled and On Demand service—which provides equitable service for customers who do not have access to or the ability to use scheduled service.
ABOUT THE CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is an impact investor developing the next generation of infrastructure Canadians need. Our areas of focus are public transit, clean power, broadband, trade and transportation and green infrastructure. We are partnering with public, private and Indigenous groups to fill gaps – structural, economic and commercial risk – which will result in a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous Canada.
ABOUT NOVA BUS
Nova Bus, member of the Volvo Group, is a leading provider of sustainable transportation solutions in North America. Its portfolio includes electric, hybrid, CNG and clean diesel buses, high-capacity vehicles, as well as integrated intelligent transport systems. Nova Bus accompanies transit authorities and bus fleet operators in their transition to electromobility with its flagship LFSe+ long-range electric bus, combining the proven Nova Bus structure with the latest innovations in electric drive. Nova Bus is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and positively contributing to a greener economy. For more information regarding Nova Bus products and services, please visit www.novabus.com.
ABOUT OSHAWA POWER GROUP OF COMPANIES
Oshawa Power, EnerFORGE and Durham Broadband are part of a diverse group of companies focused on innovating energy services, optimization and expanding renewable energy choices to best serve the community.
Through partnership, infrastructure investment, renewable energy sources and services, the Oshawa Power Group of Companies is dedicated to powering progress and meeting the evolving needs of our customers as a leading enabler of integrated critical energy and communications infrastructure. Oshawa Power Group of Companies are wholly owned by the great City of Oshawa.
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