Oakville Transit expands electric bus fleet

In a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, the Town of Oakville is excited to announce the expansion of its electric bus fleet with the introduction of 15 new Nova LFSE+ large capacity buses, set to be in service this February. This initiative is made possible through joint funding under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which supports the electrification of approximately 50 per cent of the town’s transit fleet. 

Today, Mayor Rob Burton joined Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs), members of Town Council and staff to mark this exciting milestone in the town’s climate action initiatives and ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. 

In addition to these new 15 large capacity buses and the 15 smaller capacity electric buses introduced in 2023, Oakville is poised to add 12 additional small capacity and 32 large capacity electric buses in the next two years, bringing the total number of electric buses purchased to 74 by 2026.

The new Nova LFSE+ 40-foot large capacity electric buses, manufactured by Nova Bus, will replace some existing diesel buses currently in service and will be used for transit’s conventional fixed routes across town. The new buses can travel up to 350 kilometres on a full charge, with most fixed routes requiring about 225 kilometres of travel in a day. 

The town continues to take steps to support the integration of electric buses to transit’s fleet. In 2011, a new bus garage and service centre at the Oakville Transit facility was built, featuring a heightened roof and crane necessary for servicing electric buses. More upgrades are now underway including a 37,000 sq. ft extension to the current facility with an innovative electrification system with automated charging infrastructure, along with sustainability features to ensure energy efficiency.

Electric buses do not produce harmful exhaust emissions or other greenhouse gases (GHG); they are more energy-efficient, quieter, provide a smoother experience for passengers; and use fewer parts than standard diesel buses. They offer a cost-effective and sustainable choice for public transit systems and will support the town’s climate action efforts to achieve its corporate goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

For more information on Oakville Transit schedules, services and more, visit the Oakville Transit website. 

Quotes

"I have been advocating for expanded and more accessible public transit in our community since my time on Oakville council, and I am thrilled to see the federal government investing in Oakville to build a greener, more connected city for everyone. The addition of 15 new electric buses will expand Oakville’s transit capacity, making public transportation greener while improving connectivity for residents. Investments in fleet electrification not only bring Canada closer to net-zero emissions but also make it easier for people to connect with friends and family, access workplaces, and engage with their communities."

— Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs)

“Oakville is a leader in clean energy innovation, and we are on track to electrifying half of our transit fleet. The electrification of our entire transit fleet is only possible with sustained, long-term funding from our provincial and federal partners. Their support is essential to achieving our vision of a fully green, zero-emission transit system.”

— Mayor Rob Burton

Background

• The town has been active in implementing climate change policies and programs since 2005 and has taken significant steps to reduce its impact on the environment, with a corporate goal to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• In June 2019, Town Council unanimously passed a motion declaring a climate emergency in Oakville, establishing the importance of accelerating climate action initiatives, including transit fleet electrification.
• The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Town of Oakville are investing $66.7 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support the electrification of Oakville Transit’s fleet.