BRAMPTON, ON (July 5, 2022) – Today, MP Ruby Sahota, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources; Rory Nisan, Halton Region Councillor and Board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Brampton, Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington; and Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a transit investment in Brampton through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
CUTRIC has received $175,000 towards a feasibility study to support the City of Brampton’s strategic efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to meet future ridership demand for public transit. The focus of the study is to assess the feasibility of using zero tailpipe-emission buses (ZEBs) on Brampton Transit’s route network.
The study is being carried out using CUTRIC's internally developed predictive modelling tool, RoutΣ.i™. This tool incorporates operational conditions such as route maps, transit schedules, weather, and passenger-loading to determine the feasibility and benefits of adopting ZEBs or FCEBs based on existing technology.
Transitioning to an electric ZEB bus fleet builds on the City’s commitments of reducing its carbon footprint and building a Green City. ZEBs are sustainable transit vehicles that will provide an efficient, quiet and clean commute for the community.
The electrification of transit buses is a critical milestone in the City’s journey to reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated in Brampton by 80 per cent by 2050. Adding to the current fleet of 133 diesel-electric hybrid Züm buses, Brampton Transit introduced the first eight battery electric zero emission buses and four high-powered overhead opportunity chargers in May 2021. Transitioning the full fleet to ZEBs is anticipated to save approximately 115 tonnes of CO2 per bus, per year, totaling approximately 53,000 tonnes annually of GHGs, or the equivalent of removing about 12,000 passenger vehicles (by tonnes of GHGs) from the roads.
The GMF, administered by the FCM, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. The GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Links
• Canada and FCM invest in low-emission transit in Brampton and Burlington
Quotes
“Thank you to the Government of Canada and the FCM for their investment in CUTRIC’s feasibility study for zero-emission buses in the City of Brampton. This $175K investment will directly support the next level of sustainable transit in Brampton and in Canada, as Brampton Transit purchases up to 450 zero-emission buses for Brampton’s roads over the next five years. Brampton is a Green City, and together, we will reduce our carbon footprint and improve the quality of life in our community.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“The City of Brampton shares the vision of sustainable, low-carbon public transit with its partners and supporters the Government of Canada, FCM and CUTRIC. Thanks to the GMF funding, CUTRIC’s feasibility study will help the City gain insight into GHG reductions, cost-benefit and scheduling analysis, the types of zero-tailpipe emission buses that are most appropriate for each route in our Brampton Transit network and other important factors for electrifying our fleet.”
- Martin Medeiros, Deputy Mayor; Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; City of Brampton
“Brampton is a leader in clean transportation initiatives, and we welcome the $175K investment in Brampton Transit from the Government of Canada and FCM through CUTRIC. Zero-emission buses are an important part of this Term of Council’s commitment to Brampton as a Green City. Thank you to our team and our partners for supporting a greener future for Brampton Transit.”
- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Public Works & Engineering, City of Brampton
“As an FCM Board Member, I have had the privilege of being part of many discussions about how to support transit agencies across Canada to meet key challenges, opportunities and solutions associated with transitioning existing fleets to zero-emission and low-carbon transit technologies. Brampton is leading the charge in zero-emission transit, and it is so important that all involved agencies and levels of government work together to roll out a greener transit network.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton; Board Member, FCM
“The City of Brampton is committed to building a well-connected, sustainable, and energy-efficient transportation system and a greener city for all. Thank you to the Government of Canada, FCM and CUTRIC for their support. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to bring investment to Brampton.”
- Paul Morrison, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
“Brampton Transit is a leader in sustainable transit, and zero-emission buses are part of our commitment to electrifying our fleet. We have been working with CUTRIC and various stakeholders to bring investment to our electrification project, and thank you to our partners for their support as we move forward.”
- Alex Milojevic, General Manager, Brampton Transit, City of Brampton
“Since my election in 2015, I have seen first-hand the important role CUTRIC has played in our transition to low-emission transit. This funding allocation is just one of many, in partnership with CUTRIC, that the City of Brampton is receiving as we electrify our future, reduce pollution and invest in clean transportation infrastructure – bringing us one step closer to net-zero emissions.”
- Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North
“Today’s announcement of funding for clean transportation in Brampton and Burlington, Ontario, is a key step toward our government’s priority to support Canadians in reducing pollution, enhancing our communities and furthering our innovation in clean technologies. The Government of Canada is very pleased to support CUTRIC’s leadership in this area. I would like to congratulate them for their leadership”
- The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources
“It’s critically important to have everyone in the climate fight. Municipalities across Canada are doing their part with innovative solutions that create jobs and climate resilience. Green infrastructure investments in Canadian communities will make our air cleaner, our economy stronger, and set us on the path to a net-zero future.”
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Humans today mostly live in cities. Cities should lead the way in addressing climate change and planning for our future in a climate changed world. CUTRIC is proud to work with cities like Brampton and Burlington. These cities are burgeoning hubs of innovative thinking around climate action. The time is now to transform the country’s infrastructure and low-carbon mobility landscape.”
- Josipa Petrunić, President & C.E.O., CUTRIC
-30-
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to more than 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS
City of Brampton Media Relations
mediarelations@brampton.ca
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-323-7892
keean.nembhard@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca
