Electric Bus
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YRT’s first battery-electric bus began service on June 29, 2019, as part of the electric bus trial. To date, YRT has purchased and operates 12 battery-electric buses on select routes.
York Region is focused on mitigating climate change and taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In pursuit of this goal, YRT is moving towards electrification of the bus fleet and has a goal to fully electrify and produce zero GHG emissions by 2051.
Vision 2051 and the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan focus on reducing GHG emissions. This goal introduces interesting challenges that will need to be addressed with proper planning and innovative technology solutions. In 2019, YRT conducted an Electric Bus Feasibility Study that addressed the requirements to operate a fully electric bus fleet.
Some of the benefits of electric buses include:
- Reduced fuel and maintenance costs
- Reduced noise
- Reduced emissions
Thank you to our partners:
This electric bus trial was made possible by working with our partner agencies, including: the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd., bus manufacturers New Flyer Industries and Nova Bus, and Siemens for providing support for electrical charging equipment. The federal government also funded a portion of the overhead charging station at Newmarket Terminal.
How bus charging works:
For on-route charging, an overhead station (Pantograph) is located at Newmarket Terminal. The bus will charge underneath the Pantograph before picking up passengers at the platform.
For charging at the Bus Storage and Maintenance Facility (in-depot charging), buses are plugged in overnight for a full charge in preparation for the next day's service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will the bus need to recharge? |
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This depends on various factors such as bus type, passenger loads, temperature/weather conditions and traffic patterns. Some buses may require a charge after every trip, while others may last longer. This is something we will continue to monitor and analyze. |
Does the distance the bus travels on a full charge vary during the winter and summer? |
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Yes, and this will continue to be tested and monitored as the program expands. |
Will the bus recharge with passengers on board? |
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No. The bus will charge underneath the overhead station at Newmarket Terminal before picking up passengers at the platform. |
What does it sound like? How will I know I’m on an electric bus? |
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An electric bus is substantially quieter than a typical diesel bus. Travellers will no longer hear the noises associated with engines and transmissions. The bus can also be identified by the lowercase “e” in front of the bus number. |
What are York Region's plans for further introducing more electric buses on all/major YRT routes? |
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YRT will continue to purchase electric buses between 2021 and 2029 and will transition to exclusive purchase of electric buses by 2030. The electric bus trial allowed us the opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience on electric bus technology. This research provided needed data for the purchase of additional electric buses. The trial was the first step in electrification of the YRT fleet and a key contribution to York Region’s goal of zero GHG emissions by 2051. |