01-18-2019, 12:34 PM
(01-12-2019, 11:25 AM)trainspotter139 Wrote:(01-11-2019, 11:32 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: Pretty sad that electric buses aren't even on our radar though.
Blame the Ford Government for this. The cancellation of Cap and Trade resulted in the cancellation of the Region's plans for 2 pilot buses and the required infrastructure for the time being.
Quote:It is noted that in 2018, the Region applied for funding to the provincial Municipal Greenhouse Gas Challenge program for a project which included two pilot electric buses and the required infrastructure to support these buses. While the provincial program did not continue, staff are monitoring the development and evolution of fully electric bus technology. The acceptance of this proposal does not restrict the Region from acquiring electric buses through a subsequent procurement initiative.
The hybrid buses we have now, dating back over ten years, did not live up to expectations.
EV technology is evolving rapidly, and there will be additional suppliers, increased manufacturing capacity, and likely improved battery technology coming online in the next few years. The current diesel bus order is prudent, in my opinion, and will put GRT in a good position to procure an EV fleet the next time around.