Two new electric buses added to Barrie Transit’s fleet
Barrie, ON – Mayor Alex Nuttall revealed the City’s first fully electric Barrie Transit bus today. Residents can expect to see two electric buses servicing Barrie Transit routes starting this summer.
“I’m pleased to introduce Barrie Transit’s first electric bus, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Mayor Nuttall. “Thanks to the Zero Emission Transit Fund, we will have two new e-buses operating in Barrie. These buses will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but they will also enhance the quality of life for our residents by providing a quieter and cleaner way to get people around Barrie."
The electric bus is a battery-electric, zero-emission bus, and is one of the most advanced models on the market. It’s made by a Canadian company, New Flyer, and features the following:
- A 520kWh battery, that is a world-class energy storage system, and engineered for safe, robust, and reliable use in transit.
- Battery chargers for the e-bus were designed and installed by PowerON, an Ontario Power Generation company.
- The bus range is up to approximately 408 km.
- Accessibility features include an automatic securement station, which allows the user to secure their wheelchair or scooter easily with the touch of a button.
In November 2022, funding for the electric bus project was announced through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund ($1.65M). Along with City funding of $1.7M, this investment allowed Barrie to purchase two battery electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure to support them.
Learn more about Barrie Transit at barrie.ca/transit.
Background
In June 2021, City Council adopted a motion that endorsed electric buses. Piloting e-buses is the next step toward supporting Council’s initiative to reduce the City’s carbon emissions to net-zero by the year 2050. This also supports the City’s work to electrify its fleet.
Barrie’s corporate fleet includes seven fully electric pickup trucks, with four more arriving later this year. In addition, the City has two electric ice resurfacers.
