Transport has every interest in going electric. This is especially true for public transport. And on this point, some governments are clearly further ahead than others.
The public transport, like transport as a whole, is at the dawn of a huge revolution, that of the electric. By switching our buses, in particular, to electric, carbon emissions would be significantly reduced. It is also necessary that the various actors give themselves the means.
This is what Canada has just decided, which is preparing to invest billions to electrify its transportation systems.
Canada invests billions in the electrification of its public transportation
Public transport is not used much during this pandemic period, but Canada wants to ensure that its public transport is respectful of the environment when the crisis is finally behind us.
The Canadian government has just announced an investment plan to the tune of 2.75 billion Canadian dollars, or approximately 1.82 billion euros, to electrify its public transport systems across the country over a period of five years. Among other initiatives, this budget envelope will be used to purchase more zero-emission buses.
What to give ideas to other countries?
This effort is part of a larger plan of 14.9 billion Canadian dollars (9.88 billion euros) to modernize all public transport for the public. Programs have already been put in place, including the purchase of some 300 environmentally friendly buses.
This will allow the government to meet its goal of having a fleet of approximately 5,000 zero emission buses in service over the next five years.
Unsurprisingly, the government also hopes that this environmental initiative will create jobs for bus manufacturers Nova Bus, GreePower and New Flyer.
The challenge here, of course, is to have a significant impact. While Canada’s relatively small population and its concentration in a relatively small number of large cities could actually help save money, there can be no assurance that this large initiative will go all-electric.
In any case, this should give a good boost and a success for Canada could set a good example for other countries as to how to proceed to electrify their public transport in turn.