Ontario Construction News staff writer
The governments of Canada and Quebec this week announced the largest electric buses project in North America, with over $780 million from the federal government and over $1.1 billion from the province to buy 1,229 electric buses.
“Across Quebec, citizens rely on public transit to get where they need to be each day. With today’s $780 million investment, our government is enhancing the electric public transit network across the province,” said Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities. “We will continue to partner with the Government of Quebec to deliver modern and reliable infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities today and into the future.”
Funding will be directed to 10 public transportation organizations to convert bus fleets to 100 per cent electric.
“By investing to help Quebec transit operators purchase electric buses, we continue to fight climate change and encourage Quebec entrepreneurs who are participating in the development of the green economy of the future,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant.
In order to “maximize the potential for local economic benefits”, the level of Canadian content required in this call for tenders was set at 25 per cent and the final assembly must be done in Canada, in accordance with the applicable trade agreements to which Québec subscribes. Following a public call for tenders issued in April 2022, Nova Bus, a company headquartered in Saint-Eustache, was awarded the contract to manufacture these buses. All the buses covered by this contract will be produced and assembled in Nova Bus’ Quebec plant, which will help generate significant economic benefits for Quebec and Canada.
“After the necessary testing and experimentation phases, the STM has reached an important milestone with the awarding of this contract, which confirms its ambitions and the seriousness of its electrification approach as a leader in sustainable mobility,” said Eric Alan Caldwell, chair of the board of directors, Société de transport de Montréal. “This first major order will help transform the face of mobility in Montréal and will bring about major changes in the operation of our buses. It’s a great challenge, worthy of the talent and expertise of our teams.”
