In July 2019 BC Transit announced its Low Carbon Fleet Program which aligns with the Province’s CleanBC Plan and legislation in the Climate Change Accountability Act. Central to the Low Carbon Fleet Program is a fleet replacement strategy to replace existing buses and expand the fleet using GHG reducing technology. This forms a core component of our strategic vision for the future of BC Transit, with the need to replace over 1200 existing buses and, as service expansion needs are identified and approved, expand the fleet by up to 600 buses over the next 10 years.
BC Transit’s Role
BC Transit is proud to work to CleanBC climate action goals, with Provincial support and Government of Canada funding programs designed to help public transit fleets transition to electrification.
BC Transit is well on the path to achieving its mandate to reach a 40 per cent reduction in fleet emissions by 2030 and 60 per cent by 2040. Strategic fleet management and continued use of low carbon fuels are key to achieving these goals.
Electric Buses
BC Transit is delivering phase one of its Electrification Program which includes purchasing and deploying 141 electric buses over the next three years across nine transit systems. Of the 141 electric buses, the organization is planning to order 125 heavy duty, 10 high capacity (double decker), and six light duty.
Currently,125 heavy duty electric buses are on order with New Flyer and Nova Bus. The first batch of these buses are on the production line and the first 10 electric buses are expected to arrive for use in the Victoria Regional Transit System in early 2025.
Phase one will progress BC Transit’s Electrification Program to 2027. Planning for phase two is starting to get underway and is expected to run approximately from 2027 to 2032.
Hybrid Buses
BC Transit also intends to procure approximately 105 heavy duty hybrid buses. Hybrid buses will help more communities realize reductions in GHG emissions, achieve quieter operations on city streets, use less fuel, and experience electric technology while preparing for zero-emission vehicles.
To support greenhouse gas reductions with the combustion fleet, BC Transit continues to incorporate the use of Hydrogenated Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD). This fuel can be used in regular diesel engines and significantly reduces GHG emissions.
BC Transit’s Low Carbon Fleet Program Principles explained:
Fleet Replacement Strategy – – Each vehicle classification has its own lower carbon pathway.
Sustainable Fuel – Renewable fuels help to reach greenhouse gas targets
Strategic Partnership – Good working relationships with industry and government partners.
Strategic Funding – Funding opportunities support long-term capital investments.
Each vehicle classification will have its own electric transition pathway, including timelines and implementation plans, in alignment to future replacement needs.
The transition to full electric will be supported by sourcing renewable fuels and the acquisition of CNG buses and fueling infrastrucutre.
Business cases will be developed for all fleet investment and associated technology types, supported by ongoing assessment of technology readiness.
Strong partnerships will be established with organizations that have similar obectives and will assist in the execution of a low carbon fleet.