BC Transit is moving forward with its plan to modernize its fleet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the first batch of electric buses expected to roll out in Victoria as early as 2025.
Last year, the federal and provincial governments announced $395.5 million in funding for BC Transit to buy 115 electric buses and install 134 chargers across the province.
This is part of a larger strategy to update its fleet and achieve the ambitious emissions reduction targets set by BC— aiming for a 40% decrease in bus emissions by 2030 and 60% by 2040.
As part of the update, BC Transit has ordered 141 electric buses, including 125 heavy-duty units, 10 double-decker buses, and 6 light-duty buses.
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The first 10 of these heavy-duty electric buses are currently on the production line and will soon be part of the Victoria Regional Transit System, with the first buses set to arrive in early 2025.
While working towards a zero-emissions fleet, BC Transit will continue to rely on a mix of bus propulsion types to ensure it meets the growing transit needs across the province.
In addition to electric buses, BC Transit is also procuring 80 diesel double-decker buses to fill immediate needs in Victoria, as well as approximately 105 hybrid buses. These hybrid buses are designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while allowing communities to experience electric technology.
The transition to electric and hybrid buses is part of BC Transit’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The shift is expected to help decrease the number of single-occupant vehicles on the road, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute to the Province’s CleanBC plan for reducing GHG emissions.
With more than 57 million customers annually, BC Transit said it is also working on infrastructure projects to support this transition, including the development of charging stations across the province.
By 2029, BC Transit anticipates needing an additional 590 buses to replace aging units, with another 312 required to accommodate service expansion.
Keep an eye out for the first batch of electric buses hitting the streets in early 2025!
