LONDON,
ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ - The federal
government is partnering with Langs Bus Lines to replace nearly
half their diesel school buses with 200 electric ones.
The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary
Peter Fragiskatos; MP Arielle Kayabaga; Brian
Reilly, Senior Director of the Canada Infrastructure Bank
(CIB); and Kevin Langs,
Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines.
Infrastructure Canada is
providing more than $22.2 million in
federal funding through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) to
Langs. CIB has also reached financial close on a $22.4 million investment with them.
Both the ZETF funding and the CIB loan will work together to
support purchasing the new buses by 2026. In addition, a portion of
the ZETF investment will go towards installing the required
chargers and upgrading existing facilities in five sites across
southwestern Ontario. The new
buses will serve students in Sarnia, Strathroy, London, and Woodstock's most populated communities.
Over $600,000 of the total ZETF
funding will support a feasibility study to support Langs in
strengthening its knowledge and preparing for the transition.
Meanwhile, CIB's loan will help cover the higher upfront capital
costs of the buses, helping accelerate the transition.
A family run business for over 50 years, Langs Bus Lines
operates buses, vans and mobility accessible vehicles for home to
school transportation in London,
Sarnia, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, and surrounding areas throughout
Southwestern Ontario.
Transitioning to an electric fleet is in line with their vision to
drive clean and reduce students' exposure to bus emissions.
Quotes
"Electric school buses will help 9,000 students in Southwestern Ontario get to school safely. At
the same time, they will play a critical role in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target of
net-zero by 2050."
Peter Fragiskatos,
Parliamentary Secretary Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on
behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"School buses fulfill a critical need in our communities by
providing a safe and reliable way for children to arrive at school.
These vehicles drive thousands of kilometres every year,
contributing to pollution and noise. The federal government's
investment in 200 electric, zero-emission school buses for Langs
Bus Lines will benefit students and our communities for years to
come."
Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London
West
"Diesel buses significantly contribute to carbon emissions
across the country and there is an important opportunity to
transform the school bus market to electric. The Canada
Infrastructure Bank's investment in Langs Bus Lines will help
students get to and from school in sustainable zero-emission
vehicles."
Ehren Cory, Chief Executive
Officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank
"We are delighted to receive this support through the Government
of Canada's Zero Emission Transit
Fund, to assist us in providing safe and sustainable student
transportation. With this funding, we will replace diesel engine
buses that are retiring from service with zero-emission battery
electric school buses. Thousands of students in our service area
throughout southwestern Ontario
will benefit from a safe, emissions-free ride every school
day."
Kevin Langs,
Vice-President, Langs Bus Lines Limited
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is investing more than
$22.2 million in the electrification
of Langs Bus Lines' fleet through the Zero Emission Transit Fund
(ZETF). The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is providing a
$22.4 million investment. Langs Bus
Lines is contributing more than $23.08
million.
- Replacing 200 diesel buses with electric ones will reduce
yearly greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 tonnes, equivalent to
offsetting the yearly energy consumption of 550 homes.
- The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit
and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute
to Canada's net-zero emissions
targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working
toward a cleaner environment for our kids while creating jobs and
supporting Canadian manufacturing.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the
country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient
commuting options.
- This Fund is closely coordinated with the CIB's Zero Emission
Bus Initiative through which the Bank has committed more than
$1.5 billion to supporting the
deployment of zero emission buses.
- The CIB's Zero Emission Bus Initiative assists transit
agencies and school bus operators to transition their fleets
to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles.
- The CIB seeks to invest up to CAD $5
billion into public transit projects that are in the public
interest and support Canadian sustainable economic
growth.
Associated Links
Zero Emission Transit Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/zero-emissions-trans-zero-emissions/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Canada Infrastructure Bank – Zero Emission Buses Initiative
https://cib-bic.ca/en/sectors/public-transit/
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and
LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada