Funding committed for 102 additional fully electric buses

BURNABY, B.C. – TransLink is expanding its battery-electric bus fleet by more than 100 buses, with the approval of significant funding by Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. This investment will improve bus service for customers by supporting long-term service growth, expanding charging capabilities, and diversifying the transit fleet.

The newly allocated $479 million will enable the replacement of aging diesel buses with new battery-electric models and support the infrastructure needed to store and charge the fleet. This will ensure TransLink can continue to deliver reliable service for more customers across the region.

Breakdown of new investments:

• 102 new battery-electric buses to replace aging diesel buses
• 64 additional bus chargers and upgrades at the Port Coquitlam Transit Centre
• Testing a 60-foot electric trolley bus with in-motion charging capability

TransLink currently has 19 battery-electric buses with 57 more Nova LFSe+ battery-electric buses on the way, as well as 10 on-route overhead chargers. This unprecedented expansion would support the growth of TransLink’s fleet from 19 battery-electric buses to 178 by 2030.

TransLink continues to build new infrastructure to support future fleet electrification. This includes building a new transit centre, upgrading an existing transit centre, and adding new on-route charging stations.

The investment is allocated by the Metro Vancouver Regional District through the federal government’s Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF), which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). Since 2005, Metro Vancouver’s member jurisdictions have voluntarily pooled their federal funding from CCBF to support major regional transit investments like climate-resilient transportation.

Electrifying facts:

• The 102 new battery-electric buses will reduce TransLink’s greenhouse gas emissions by 8,200 tonnes annually and more than 140,000 tonnes over their lifespan.
• On-route charging stations can top up buses in just five minutes, enabling all day service.
• TransLink operates the second largest fleet of fully electric trolleybuses in North America with 262 buses.
• The SkyTrain is also a fully electric transit service.

Quotes:

Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –
“Funded through the Metro Vancouver Regional Fund of the Canada Community-Building Fund, the expansion of battery-electric buses across Metro Vancouver will provide cleaner, more sustainable transportation options that encourage more people to choose transit. Our government remains committed to working with partners to support growing communities and build a greener, more connected future for everyone.”

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink –
“TransLink is grateful for this investment in our battery-electric bus fleet, which will allow us to improve service for our customers. We are now set up to replace aging diesel buses with a diversified fleet that will serve our customers efficiently and sustainably.”

Mike Hurley, Chair, Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors –
“We know that part of a healthy, livable region is a strong public transportation system. That’s why municipalities in this region support transportation by pooling our federal funds and prioritizing low-carbon transit solutions to help build a cleaner, more connected future for everyone in Metro Vancouver.”

Brad West, Chair, Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation –
“Capital investments like this one enable transit to run effectively and efficiently for Metro Vancouver residents. Together with the Mayors’ Council, I look forward to continuing work with the Government of Canada to further expand and improve service in the years to come.”

More information:
TransLink Sustainability Webpage
TransLink Climate Action Plan

Media downloads:
Media can download photos and videos of TransLink battery-electric buses here

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca