With an aim of working toward zero-emission public transit for St. John’s and surrounding areas, funding of $50.3 million from the provincial and federal governments and the City of St. John’s will facilitate the purchase of new hybrid and electric buses, as well as upgrades to Metrobus facilities.
Seventeen 40-foot buses – eight hybrid and nine electric (zero emission) – will be added to the fleet. This investment will allow Metrobus to begin phasing out diesel buses.
Additionally, Metrobus facilities in St. John’s will be upgraded to accommodate the charging and maintenance of the new zero-emission buses.
The Federal Government is investing $22.8 million in these projects, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $16.7 million, and the City of St. John’s is contributing $10.7 million.
These projects will help reduce transit emissions in the metro region and serve as a step towards meeting Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act targets.
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Quotes
“We recognize the importance of public transit in how users access and experience their towns and cities. It is incumbent upon all levels of government to help ensure public transit infrastructure is as environmentally friendly as it can be. This funding will help Metrobus in achieving that goal.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development
“The Federal Government is committed to working with our provincial and municipal partners to improve public transit and reduce emissions across the country. The transit upgrades announced today in St. John’s will benefit Metrobus users and help us work towards a more sustainable future.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“The transportation needs of our population is evolving quickly, and we have seen a significant increase in ridership for Metrobus. This investment into our fleet and infrastructure to support electrification will help build a more sustainable public transportation system that will better meet the needs of our residents, all while reducing our carbon footprint.”
His Worship Danny Breen,
Mayor of the City of St. John’s