Halifax Transit Advances Towards a Green Future With 60 Electric Buses
Key Ideas
- Halifax Transit procured 60 electric buses from Nova Bus, with the entire fleet now in regular service along with the necessary charging infrastructure.
- The expansion of Ragged Lake Transit Centre was funded by $112m CAD from the governments of Canada, Nova Scotia, and the city, accommodating 67 charging stations with a total capacity of 5,250kW.
- The electric buses have the same passenger capacity as diesel models but are quieter, equipped with warning sounds at lower speeds, and employ a regenerative braking system to conserve energy.
- Halifax Transit aims to further expand its fleet with 200 zero-emission buses in the future, while also considering the use of natural gas and hydrogen-powered buses in certain conditions.
Halifax Transit in Nova Scotia has taken significant strides towards sustainability with the procurement and successful integration of 60 electric buses into its fleet. The operator initiated the process back in 2021 by putting out a tender, which Nova Bus won, with deliveries completed by 2024. Following initial testing and training, the electric buses, including the first Nova LFSe+ delivered in December 2023, have now been commissioned for regular service. The project, funded by $112m CAD from various levels of government, saw the expansion of the Ragged Lake Transit Centre to accommodate the fleet and charging infrastructure. The addition of 67 charging stations with a maximum capacity of 5,250kW, supported by a solar array, highlights Halifax Transit's commitment to renewable energy. These electric buses offer the same passenger capacity as diesel models but operate more quietly, with safety features like warning sounds at lower speeds and regenerative braking. Looking ahead, Halifax Transit plans to further expand its green fleet with 200 zero-emission buses, exploring various powertrain options including natural gas and hydrogen for areas unsuitable for battery electric vehicles. The mayor of Halifax, Andy Fillmore, envisions a bright, green future for the city, emphasizing the milestone achieved with the new facility. Anthony Edmonds, the project manager, expresses excitement for the initiative, signaling a positive shift towards sustainable public transportation in Halifax.
Topics
Public Transit
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Government Funding
Electric Buses
Public Transportation
Transit Expansion
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