The governments of Canada and Quebec announced the largest electric buses acquisition project in North America, with investments of over $780 million from the federal government and over $1.1 billion from the province to support the purchase of 1,229 electric buses.
“Across Quebec, citizens rely on public transit to get where they need to be each day. With today’s $780 million investment, our government is enhancing the electric public transit network across the province. We will continue to partner with the Government of Quebec to deliver modern and reliable infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities today and into the future,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
This funding will allow ten public transportation organizations (PTO) to begin the massive conversion of their bus fleets to become 100 per cent electric, in line with Quebec’s Plan for a Green Economy (PEV 2030) and Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan. This investment also delivers on the federal government’s commitment to help purchase 5,000 zero emission buses over the next five years. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is the representative for the contract on behalf of the nine other transit agencies and is responsible for the procurement of the buses.
“By investing to help Quebec transit operators purchase electric buses, we continue to fight climate change and encourage Quebec entrepreneurs who are participating in the development of the green economy of the future. The federal government is fully committed to supporting the green transition of our economy and we continue to deliver for Quebecers through investments that will make a real difference in their daily lives,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant.
In order to maximize the potential for local economic benefits, the level of Canadian content required in this call for tenders was set at 25 per cent and the final assembly must be done in Canada, in accordance with the applicable trade agreements to which Québec subscribes. Following a public call for tenders issued in April 2022, Nova Bus, a company headquartered in Saint-Eustache, was awarded the contract to manufacture these buses. All the buses covered by this contract will be produced and assembled in Nova Bus’ Quebec plant, which will help generate significant economic benefits for Quebec and Canada.
“Public transit is one of the key elements in the sustainable mobility of people and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With this investment of more than $1.1 billion, the government is responding in order to help achieve a low-carbon Quebec. Ultimately, the entire population of Quebec will be able to benefit from the advantages of these electric buses,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
“After the necessary testing and experimentation phases, the STM has reached an important milestone with the awarding of this contract, which confirms its ambitions and the seriousness of its electrification approach as a leader in sustainable mobility. This first major order will help transform the face of mobility in Montréal and will bring about major changes in the operation of our buses. It’s a great challenge, worthy of the talent and expertise of our teams.” said Eric Alan Caldwell, chair of the board of directors, Société de transport de Montréal.
Featured image: (Government of Quebec)
