BC Transit has announced that Whistler is among the nine communities throughout British Columbia that will get new electric buses and charging infrastructure.
In total, approximately 134 new electric bus charging points will be installed over the next two years in different parts of the province, including Whistler, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, and Victoria.
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BC Transit has ordered 66 electric buses from two pre-qualified suppliers, Nova Bus and New Flyer. These buses are expected to arrive incrementally starting in early 2025 and completing in mid-2026. The organization will procure more electric buses to support previously announced funding, with specific details to share in future announcements.
The funding for these projects, totalling $395.5 million for buses and infrastructure, was announced in July 2023. The costs are shared with the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and local government partners. BC Transit expects to procure 115 new battery electric buses under this funding.
“We are excited to bring new, green transportation options to our communities, and we thank our partners for their support in making this happen,” said Erin Blasco, BC Transit’s Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs. “These projects will not only help us reduce our carbon footprint but also improve the quality of life for our riders and the overall livability of our communities.”
MP Patrick Weiler said introducing electric buses throughout the province represents a significant stride towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for all residents, including those living on the Sunshine Coast and in the Sea to Sky region.
“This investment not only expands essential public transportation services in our communities, it also underscores our commitment to transitioning public transit to electric power, lowering emissions, improving localized air quality, making our communities quieter, and ultimately more liveable,” he said.