People in the Victoria Regional Transit System will soon be able to get to their destinations aboard an electric bus.
BC Transit’s first 10 heavy-duty electric buses began arriving in April 2025 and are expected to gradually enter service in the coming weeks. All 10 vehicles are anticipated to be on the road by fall 2025.
The new electric buses are quieter and more energy efficient than their diesel counterparts. Altogether, the 10 electric buses are expected to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 95%, or the equivalent of 12,000 tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime. Each electric bus will save about one tanker truck of diesel fuel per year, or about 550 fill-ups for a mid-size car. In total, BC Transit has 125 heavy-duty electric buses on order with Nova Bus and New Flyer. The organization plans to have close to 80 electric buses serving other regional transit systems by the end of 2026.
Funding for BC Transit’s first 10 electric buses was announced in July 2019. The project was made possible thanks to joint funding of $28.6 million delivered through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. Further funding of $395.5 million for BC Transit electric buses and infrastructure was announced in July 2023, supported in part by the Zero Emission Transit Fund and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
BC Transit is proud to work to CleanBC climate action goals with support from Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada funding programs.
For more information, please visit www.BCTransit.com/electricbus/.
Quotes and quick facts below.
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
QUOTES:
Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria
“Upgrading BC Transit’s fleet with 10 electric buses is a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a greener future for the region. Through the Government of Canada’s support for green infrastructure, we are taking real action to combat climate change and ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians, one ride at a time.”
George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit
“These new electric buses are a big win for people in Greater Victoria – quieter rides, cleaner air, and a more comfortable community. These electric buses are a sign of what’s ahead: a sustainable, accessible, and future ready transit system for all of B.C. Victoria is showing what leadership on climate and transit looks like.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit
“We are thrilled to see the first electric buses on the road in the Greater Victoria area. Electric buses are an important component of BC Transit’s overall plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future. This is a massive milestone for BC Transit. We are entering an exciting new era, and I want to thank our funding partners for making this achievement possible.”
Marianne Alto, Vice-Chair of the Victoria Transit Commission, Mayor of the City of Victoria and BC Transit Board Member
“Electric buses are a smart investment for the future of the region. They align with Victoria’s climate goals by reducing emissions and improving air quality for everyone in our community. This is a meaningful step toward building a more sustainable, accessible and resilient transportation network.”
QUICK FACTS:
- Shifting to more environmentally sustainable modes of transportation, such as transit, drastically reduces the number of single occupant vehicles on the road, reduces traffic, and helps achieve an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants in support of the Province of B.C.’s CleanBC Plan.
- Purchasing and maintaining the right buses to support today’s needs and tomorrow’s demands is a top priority for BC Transit.
- While BC Transit works towards a zero emissions fleet, the organization will continue to purchase a variety of buses, including approximately 105 hybrid buses.
- The introduction of electric buses is one part of BC Transit’s larger sustainability plans. You can read more here: Sustainability | BC Transit
