Government of Canada funds purchase of hundreds of new electric buses for Ottawa

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, and His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, announced $350 million in federal funding to contribute towards the purchase of 350 zero-emission buses and install related charging infrastructure for Ottawa’s bus fleet.

These new electric buses will replace current diesel-powered buses in the City’s public transit fleet. The City will install the required charging infrastructure, build a new vehicle storage facility and upgrade two existing ones, and purchase other related infrastructure to maintain and operate the battery electric buses.

The electrification of vehicles is a key initiative toward the City of Ottawa’s Energy Evolution Strategy goal of reducing GHG emissions in municipal operations by 100 per cent by 2040 and demonstrates the City’s commitment to lead by example. With the gradual phase-out of diesel buses as they reach the end of their life cycle, OC Transpo is targeting a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2036.

“Any investment in public transit in Ottawa is an investment in the environment,” said Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa. “With the new funding for our zero-emissions bus program the Government of Canada is contributing to these shared and critical priorities. These new buses will help OC Transpo continue its work towards reducing greenhouse gases and convert our fleet to zero-emission electric fuel.”

At its meeting on January 25, 2023, Ottawa City Council will consider the budget authority requests to begin the procurement of zero-emission OC Transpo buses and related charging infrastructure.

Public transit is key to creating sustainable economic growth and more inclusive communities. This investment will create jobs, improve user experience, reduce gridlock on our roads and help the City of Ottawa and Canada get to net-zero by 2050.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and building a better future for all Canadians.