Sault purchasing two electric buses as part of transit upgrades
The City of Sault Ste. Marie will be making some transit upgrades – including the purchase of two battery-powered buses.
City officials said it marks the beginning of the electrification of the transit fleet.
Municipal politicians and city staff in Sault Ste. Marie were joined by representatives of both the federal and provincial governments to announce a combined investment of $7.8 million in local transit on March 8, 2024. (X/Matthew Shoemaker)The transit upgrades will be paid for through a combined investment of $7.8 million – with a federal contribution of roughly $3.1 million, provincial funds to the tune of $2.5 million and the city kicking in just over $2 million.
Brent Lamming, the city’s director of community services said some preparation will be needed before the first electric bus is put into service.
“We’ll have staff trained on how to service the electric bus versus a conventional diesel bus,” he said.
“Then we’ll deploy that in a safe fashion, likely on a day shift and see how it performs in the conditions here in Sault Ste. Marie.”
Lamming told CTV News that charging stations will need to be installed at the transit garage especially as the city moves toward full electrification.
“We’ll be working together with the PUC to have a much larger power source for the facility here to convert our fleet as we move forward,” he said.
“We’ll ramp up procurement as the years come toward electrification once we have it in service here and proven to be successful.”
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the city will ensure the electric buses are able to run in all weather conditions and he suggests there will still be a place for gas-powered buses.
“This is the beginning of a transition to electric buses,” he said.
“But – we’ll be sure that the transit system can operate in all conditions moving forward.”
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
Representatives of both the federal and provincial governments were on hand to tout the economic and environmental benefits of electrification.
“The more we can electrify a lot of the equipment that we use, the better it is for the environment, and the better it is for our economy,” said Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano.
“Sault Ste. Marie is leading Canada in so many ways, whether it’s the electrification of Algoma Steel, the beginning of electrification of our transit fleet,” said Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan.
Other upgrades include the purchasing of eight accessible passenger vans and two ‘parabuses,’ which are primarily used by people with mobility challenges.
City staff said when the new vehicles will be deployed will depend on the length of the procurement process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Kim Kardashian brand kids' sleepwear and more: Here are some recalls to watch out for
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.