Calgary Transit’s bus fleet is going to get a lot greener over the next three years, with significant funding for new electric buses having been announced by the Government of Canada.

In total, Calgary Transit will be receiving over $325,214,141 for the procurement of 259 electric buses, along with upgrades to the Spring Gardens and Anderson bus garages.

The funding is on top of previously announced loan funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for $165 million made in February of this year for the greening of transit.

“Our partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank has been critical to greening our transit fleet much quicker than we could have done on our own, and the funding provided directly by Infrastructure Canada has been an absolute game changer,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

“Zero emission buses will be less costly to maintain and operate, with lower fuel costs when compared to conventional diesel buses at the City of Calgary. We are committed to bold moves that are both economically and environmentally sustainable and really help people move about the city.”

Funding being provided solely by the federal government

The funding is being provided to the city through the Government of Canada’s $2.75 billion Zero Emission Transit Fund.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, said that the funding was being provided immediately to the city.

“As the city does its procurement process, our job is to collaborate and make sure they get the money as quickly as they can,” he said.

“The good news is it’s not like sort of the checks in the—it actually will be in the mail. So the money is available right away, and as quickly as the city can go through the procurement process.”

Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal said that funding would directly support more investments into Calgary, and improve the lives of Calgarians.

“Transit is important and I am laser focused on bringing more investments to this corner of the city,” Chahal said.

“This improved public transit system will drive sustainable economic growth, enhance community inclusivity and promote a healthier environment for current and future generations.”

Speaking to the media at a separate event on June 19, Premier Danielle Smith congratulated Calgary on receiving the investment from the Government of Canada.

She said that the province had not received an ask from the City of Calgary for funding for electrification of transit, nor from the federal government.

“We were waiting to see what the announcement would be ourselves,” Smith said.

“I believe our opportunity is in hydrogen vehicles, especially in the work being done by the Alberta Motor Transport Association to get dual-use vehicles with diesel and hydrogen, as an interim step ultimately towards hydrogen vehicles.”