Toronto Transit Commission Orders up to 40 Battery-Electric Buses

July 30, 2018

New Flyer Industries Canada ULC has been awarded a contract from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for 10 40-foot, zero-emission battery-electric Xcelsior Charge heavy-duty transit buses, with an option to purchase up to 30 more buses over the next two years.
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This award supports the TTC’s electric bus program, focused on transforming its fleet into a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040 and buying only emission-free buses starting in 2025. New Flyer was one of three candidates invited to collaborate with TTC in the evaluation of battery-electric buses for TTC service, offering buses with long range and overnight charge capability. The collaboration will assist TTC and the greater public transportation community with the development of bus specifications and the integration of future electric-bus procurements.

The Xcelsior Charge award is supported by funding from Infrastructure Canada’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, which provides funding for new capital projects and planning and studies for transit growth in support of long-term transit plans. The TTC’s electric bus program is also funded in part through the Government of Ontario’s GHG Challenge Fund.

The TTC is the third largest transit system in North America, delivering more than 536 million trips per year with subways, streetcars, buses, and a specialized service, Wheel-Trans, for persons with disabilities whose disability prevents them from using conventional transit.

Photo source: New Flyer Industries Canada ULC