Oakville Introduces 15 New Electric Buses for Sustainable Transit

The Town of Oakville is taking a major step towards a cleaner, greener future with the introduction of 15 new Nova LFSE+ electric buses, set to hit the roads this February. This milestone is part of Oakville's ambitious climate action plan, made possible through joint funding from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

Adrian Kawun, director of Oakville Transit, explained that the addition of these electric buses is part of a broader strategy to modernize and innovate the town's transit system. "The future of transit in Oakville is focused on service delivery that is modern, sustainable, and innovative," said Kawun. "We're continuing to meet the needs of our customers while supporting growth for the future."

With support from federal, provincial, and municipal partners, this initiative will electrify approximately 50 per cent of the town's transit fleet by 2026.

The new buses will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they will also improve the connectivity and accessibility of Oakville's public transit system. These electric vehicles will travel on various routes throughout the town, connecting residents to neighbouring municipalities and GO Transit. From an accessibility standpoint, the buses are designed to be low-floor and ramp-equipped, ensuring they meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements.

However, transitioning to an electric fleet has not been without challenges. Oakville Transit had to make substantial upgrades to its infrastructure to accommodate the new electric buses, including expanding the energy infrastructure at the Oakville Transit garage. "The addition of charging stations and charging infrastructure is a critical part of our plan to electrify the fleet," said Kawun. With the goal of having 74 electric buses in service by 2026, Oakville is making significant investments in the necessary energy infrastructure to support this shift.

Mayor Rob Burton, Pam Damoff (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs), and members of Oakville Town Council gathered to celebrate this achievement, highlighting Oakville's dedication to sustainable and accessible transit.

"These electric buses demonstrate Oakville's leadership in clean energy innovation," said Burton. "The electrification of our transit fleet is only possible with the support of our provincial and federal partners, and it brings us closer to our vision of a fully green, zero-emission transit system."

Pam Damoff added, "The federal government's investment in Oakville ensures a greener, more connected community, enhancing residents' ability to connect with family, access workplaces, and engage in their communities while contributing to Canada's net-zero goals."

The 15 Nova LFSE+ buses are part of a broader plan to electrify Oakville Transit's fleet. In addition to these buses, Oakville introduced 15 smaller electric buses in 2023. By 2026, the fleet will grow by an additional 12 small and 32 large electric buses, bringing the total to 74.

The new 40-foot Nova LFSE+ buses, manufactured by Nova Bus, can travel up to 350 kilometres on a full charge and are designed to replace existing diesel buses. These zero-emission vehicles will serve Oakville's conventional fixed routes, most of which require about 225 kilometres of travel daily.

To support its growing electric fleet, Oakville is enhancing its transit facilities. Upgrades include a 37,000-square-foot expansion to the Oakville Transit garage and an advanced electrification system featuring automated charging infrastructure.

This facility, originally designed with a heightened roof and crane for electric bus servicing, will now incorporate sustainability-focused features, ensuring energy efficiency and resilience.

Electric buses offer numerous benefits: they eliminate harmful greenhouse gas emissions, are quieter, more energy-efficient, and provide a smoother ride for passengers. They also require fewer parts and less maintenance compared to traditional diesel buses, making them a cost-effective choice.

The town's transit electrification efforts align with Oakville's corporate goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These efforts also build upon Oakville's declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, which prioritized accelerating climate action initiatives.

This $66.7-million investment in electrification is funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with contributions from the federal government, provincial government, and the Town of Oakville. The breakdown of the funding is as follows: $26.5 million from the Government of Canada, $22.1 million from the Government of Ontario, and $18.1 million from the Town of Oakville.

In addition to the buses, the Oakville Transit facility is undergoing several key upgrades to support the new fleet. These upgrades include the installation of new transformers, charging infrastructure such as plug-in and future pantograph chargers, and an internal electric grid network. A back-up Battery Electric Storage System (BESS) will also be implemented to ensure long-term sustainability and flexibility in meeting future demands.

Kawun emphasized that the electrification of the bus fleet plays a vital role in Oakville's climate action strategy. "With Oakville Transit buses making up 40 per cent of our total corporate greenhouse gas emissions, reducing these emissions through the electrification of the fleet will help us meet the town's long-term goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050," said Kawun.

The success of this electric bus program will be evaluated through key metrics outlined in Oakville's Community Energy Strategy (CES), which serves as the benchmark for the town's climate action goals. With these investments, Oakville is not only advancing public transit but also taking a critical step towards a greener, more sustainable future.