Halifax Transit adds 60 electric buses in push toward zero emissions

Halifax Transit is adding 60 electric buses to routes as part of HRM’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.

Halifax Transit announced Tuesday that it has added 60 battery-electric buses to its fleet as part of a $112 million project aimed at cutting carbon emissions and modernizing public transit in the city.

“This supports the following goals: reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs, reducing air and noise pollution, and reducing maintenance costs,” said Halifax Transit’s executive director Robin Gerus.

The newly unveiled vehicles look similar to the city’s existing diesel-powered buses, but instead of a fuel pump, each one connects to a high-powered charging system.

A new transit operations centre has also opened to support the rollout. The facility includes a charging infrastructure and is partially powered by rooftop solar panels.

“Just in the short time we’ve been doing trails of service, we’ve saved over 20 tons of CO2 emissions,” said Anthony Edmonds, the project manager for Halifax Transit. “That’ll be increasing going forward as we have more buses on the road, so it really is just a tremendous saving.”

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore called the announcement a step forward in the municipality’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions.

“For one thing, it will help us achieve our corporate goal – HRM’s goal of net zero by 2050. In terms of the user experience these buses are brand new [and] they’re very clean,” said Fillmore.

The mayor says the city is also exploring the potential for natural gas and hydrogen-powered buses, particularly in areas where battery-electric vehicles may not be feasible due to weather conditions.

“The idea is that we would always try to figure out what works best for our users. What works best for our climate in terms of cold weather and so forth and also what delivers our lowest carbon alternatives,” he said.

While some buses have broken down, Edmonds said breakdowns are normal with buses and that certain challenges come with introducing new technology. They expect that to improve as systems are refined and upgraded over time.

This $112 million project includes spending from all levels of government.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page