YORK REGION, ON, July 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Public transit shortens commute times, grows our economy,
and helps keep our air clean. As we build more homes faster, public
transit will also connect our communities in affordable and
accessible ways. That's why our government is investing in local
infrastructure – including electric transit – to reduce emissions
and build a better, fairer future.
The Prime Minister, Justin
Trudeau, alongside the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the Regional Municipality of York, Wayne
Emmerson, today announced a federal investment of
$76 million to help York Region build an electric bus fleet
and reach net-zero by 2050.
Supported by this funding, York Region will get 180
zero-emission buses, 91 battery electric chargers, and 14 on-route
chargers. Provided through the federal government's Zero Emission
Transit Fund, these electric buses will be an innovative,
zero-emission transit option that will help people get to work,
reduce traffic congestion, and require less maintenance than
traditional diesel buses. Once in service, the 180 buses are
expected to reduce emissions by approximately 15,982 tonnes
annually – the equivalent of taking 4,000 vehicles off our
roads.
York Region's three existing transit facilities that will house
the zero-emission buses will also be upgraded with solar power and
battery energy storage systems, further reducing emissions and
growing clean-energy alternatives.
In addition to the federal investment, this project is supported
by a $136 million loan announced last year by the Canada
Infrastructure Bank. Together, this team effort will help York
Region reduce emissions and offer a clean, reliable, and affordable
transit option to the more than 1.25 million people who call
the community home.
By investing in public transit, we are building stronger, fairer
communities across the country. This is especially true when it
comes to Millennial and Gen Z Canadians, many of whom rely on
public transit. By growing public transit and reducing emissions,
we're giving younger Canadians a clean, affordable, and reliable
option to get around. Alongside this, we're cutting red tape,
building more homes, modernizing infrastructure, and growing our
economy. Our goal is clear – making sure our communities have the
investments they need to succeed, now and for generations to
come.
Quotes
"Canadians need to get to work with less
traffic, more comfort, and clean air – that's what public transit
is all about. With today's announcement, York Region will soon have
180 new zero-emission buses and the chargers to go with it. Our
government is making our transit system fairer, with innovative,
climate-friendly, and affordable options to get you where you need
to be."
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau,
Prime Minister of Canada
"Public transit is an invaluable tool in making people's lives
easier and for tackling climate change. We're proud to announce
this partnership with York Region today that will go a long way in
doing both."
— The Hon. Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"York Region's transition to electric buses is a critical step
toward reducing emissions for decades to come. The Canada
Infrastructure Bank's $136 million
loan, combined with the Zero Emission Transit Fund grant, supports
much cleaner and quieter public transportation for residents."
— Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada
Infrastructure Bank
"Access to safe and efficient transportation options continues
to be a top priority for York Regional Council and the more than
1.25 million residents who call our communities home. With the
support of the Government of Canada and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, we
are able to further increase access to public transit in a way that
supports the Council's goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by
2050."
— Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Regional Municipality of York
Quick Facts
- The federal funding announced today is contingent on parties
signing a contribution agreement.
- This project is also supported by an investment of $177 million from the Regional Municipality of
York.
- The federal government's Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF)
helps Canadian communities transition to zero-emission transit and
school buses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
contribute to Canada's net-zero
emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities
are working toward a cleaner environment.
- The ZETF complements Canada's
2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy,
through which the Government of Canada is providing funding for public transit
in support of making clean and affordable transportation options
available in every community across the country.
- The ZETF is closely co-ordinated with the Canada Infrastructure
Bank's Zero-Emission Buses Initiative, which to date has committed
more than $1.5 billion toward a
target of 5,000 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) across the country.
- Since 2015, the federal government has invested over
$30 billion in over 1,800 transit
projects across Canada, providing
Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options. These
investments are helping to build more than 350 kilometres of new
public transit subway and light-rail line, purchase over 3,360
ZEBs, and create almost 1,175 kilometres of active transportation
trails, bike lanes, pedestrian lanes, and recreational paths.
Associated Links
- Zero Emission Transit Fund
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong
Economy
- Infrastructure in Ontario
- Zero-Emission Buses Initiative
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office