Canadian and Design Construction writer
The federal government is making up to $15 million available to help municipalities and transit agencies across Canada plan the transition to zero-emission buses.
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson announced a call for applications Oct. 29 under the Zero Emission Transit Fund. The funding will support one or more not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions that will provide planning and advisory services to transit operators.
Applications are being accepted until Jan. 14, 2027.
Successful applicants will work with municipalities and transit agencies to help them prepare for the technical and operational requirements of zero-emission buses and the infrastructure needed to support them.
Eligible planning and advisory services include feasibility studies, technology assessments, fleet transition planning, infrastructure and utility assessments, procurement planning, workforce readiness, performance measurement and knowledge-sharing.
The initiative is intended to help transit operators develop deployment strategies and prepare for future fleet and infrastructure investments.
“Investing in green and sustainable transit systems is a key step in reducing emissions in Canada,” Robertson said in a statement. “Through this call to application, we are helping communities create a roadmap to greener transit.”
The federal government said a new capital funding intake under the Zero Emission Transit Fund will open in the coming months. That funding will support transit operators purchasing zero-emission buses and building related infrastructure, including charging facilities and facility upgrades.
The Zero Emission Transit Fund is part of the Canada Public Transit Fund, which provides approximately $25 billion over 10 years for public transit and active transportation infrastructure.
The transportation sector accounts for about 25 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. The federal government is supporting the transition to zero-emission buses as part of its efforts to reduce emissions and advance its net-zero targets.
Details about eligibility and application requirements are available through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
