The capital of New Brunswick is investing in the development of a strategy to transition its public transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers is working with the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium on the strategy, which is being financially supported by an investment of nearly $200,000 through Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund.
“Fredericton is one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” notes Rogers, “and the support the City is receiving through the Zero Emission Transit Fund will allow Fredericton Transit to grow alongside our vibrant community.”
The ZETF, launched to help communities transition to zero-emission transit options, is part of the Canada Public Transit Fund, which provides an average of $3 billion annually in response to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning and improving access to public transit.
“This funding will enhance the climate resiliency of the city’s transit offerings,” Rogers stated, “ensuring Fredericton remains connected by providing a consistent affordable friendly mode of transportation for residents.”
The Fredericton project will see the preparation of a low carbon fleet transition plan, focusing on economic and technological benefits, as well as considerations and constraints, according to a statement from the federal government.
“This planning project is the key to successfully integrating zero emissions transit in Fredericton,” remarked federal minister Gregor Robertson, who manages Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with communities looking to lower their GHG emissions, to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come,” he stated.
This multi-phase plan includes an assessment, a feasibility and optimization study, a development concept, benefits and risk evaluation, and an implementation plan with recommendations.
Josipa Petrunic, who serves the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium as chief executive officer, says that “transitioning Fredericton’s transit fleet to zero emissions requires careful planning to ensure the city invests in the right technologies at the right time.”
The Consortium, Petrunic added, “is proud to support Fredericton in developing a roadmap that reduces emissions and improves greener transit options for residents.”
In a similar move, the City of Brampton recently established a partnership with Zenobē, a global fleet electrification and battery storage specialist headquartered in the United Kingdom, to launch a $4 billion initiative supporting the region’s transition to a lower-emissions economy.
The partnership intends to bring 1,000 electric buses to the roads and replace the city’s existing diesel vehicles, supporting current routes for 43 million passengers annually.
Whitehorse in the Yukon is also aiming for a more sustainable fleet.