Why electric buses?
Wrenford Transit is moving to a fleet of low- and zero-emission buses. This move supports the city's climate goals and helps us breathe cleaner air. Electric buses also run quieter, which makes our neighbourhoods more pleasant.
What buses has Wrenford Transit ordered?
We have ordered a batch of 40-foot battery electric buses. These buses use a proven Canadian design that is already operating in other Ontario cities. They are built to last just as long as our current diesel buses, around 17 years.
How is the city preparing?
Wrenford Transit is upgrading the Transit Operations facility where the buses are stored. We are installing charging stations that can handle up to 60 electric buses at once. The city also received federal funding to cover most of the cost for the buses and the charging equipment. You do not need to pay more for your transit pass to make this happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the electric buses?
The buses can travel about 310 kilometres on a single charge. We charge them overnight at the Transit Operations facility. Even in the coldest winter months, the range drops to around 200 kilometres. Most of our daily routes are shorter than 200 kilometres, so the buses will run year-round.
Will electric buses run in the winter?
Yes. Electric buses are designed for cold weather. We are learning how they perform as we add them to the fleet. If a bus needs a quick switch-out during a route, it is usually because the diesel heaters are not working correctly or the battery did not charge fully overnight. This is rare, and diesel buses actually need to be switched out more often than electric ones.
What routes will these buses serve?
The electric buses will replace older buses that have reached the end of their service life. We will place them on Routes 1 through 14, starting with the routes that have the shortest distances. Over time, more electric buses will join the fleet as older diesel buses are retired.
What happens to the old diesel buses?
We will remove them from service when they reach 17 years old. The city follows a diversified fleet strategy, which means we will keep a small number of diesel hybrid buses for longer routes where electric charging is not yet practical. This keeps our operations running smoothly while we lower emissions.