Canada Infrastructure Bank invests $136 million in York Region’s new bus fleet
Toronto – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has achieved financial close on a $136 million investment with the Regional Municipality of York (York Region or The Region) to help finance the purchase of up to 180 zero-emission buses (ZEBs).
Once in service, the ZEBs will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by approximately 15,982 tonnes annually – a significant step towards York Region’s goal to fully electrify its bus fleet and reach zero GHG emissions by 2050.
ZEBs are an alternative low-carbon transit solution which produce near zero tailpipe emissions, provide a much quieter commuting option for users, and require less maintenance than traditional diesel buses.
The CIB’s loan will help cover the higher upfront capital costs of ZEBs helping to accelerate the electrification of York Region’s bus fleet by 2027.
Diesel buses are significant greenhouse gas contributors across Canada and accounted for over half of the Region’s current annual corporate emissions. York Region’s Electric Bus Pilot program has welcomed 12 battery electric buses since 2019; resulting in 217 tonnes of reduced GHGs, a reduction of 97% over conventional diesel buses.*
Consistent with the CIB’s ZEB initiative, repayment of the investment is expected to be covered through the anticipated reduced maintenance and fuel costs over the life of the ZEBs as compared to diesel buses.
York Region will be responsible for the procurement of buses and related charging infrastructure.
Converting from diesel-powered vehicles to electric is a key component of the Region’s Vision 2051 and the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan focused on mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
*THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK (escribemeetings.com)
Our investment will help York Region reduce greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner public transportation for years to come. The CIB will continue to partner with municipalities across the country and advance Canada’s transition to low-carbon transit infrastructure.
This investment from the Canada Infrastructure Bank is another step towards our government’s commitment to reaching net-zero by 2050. These zero-emission buses will provide York Region residents with a clean, dependable, and more sustainable public transit system.
Access to safe and efficient transportation options continues to be a top priority for York Regional Council and the more than 1.2 million residents who call our communities home. With the support of the Canada Infrastructure Bank we are able to further increase access to public transit in a way that supports Council’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Quick Facts
- To date, the CIB has committed more than $1.5 billion towards more than 5,000 ZEBs.
- The CIB’s Zero-emission Bus Initiative assists transit agencies and school bus operators to transition their fleets to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles.
- The CIB seeks to invest up to $5 billion into public transit projects that are in the public interest and support Canadian sustainable economic growth.
- All CIB investments are subject to approval by its Board of Directors.