Stratford’s plan to fully electrify their transit bus fleet remains in a holding pattern as the federal Zero Emission Transit Fund reviews their application.
In 2021, the federal government announced funding opportunities for transit agencies that wanted to start the process of transitioning from fossil-fueled buses to zero emission buses (ZEBs) or battery electric buses (BEBs). More than $1.6 billion in federal funding was created under the ZEFT banner, and funding applications included allowable costs claims for transition feasibility studies, purchase of BEBs or ZEBs, and any infrastructure required to move towards electrification of the fleet, including charging stations.
Michael Mousley, Stratford’s transit manager, said the city submitted their applications a few months ago and once they have a decision back, council will be notified and plans will be conveyed to them as to next steps.
“As you might have noticed, this is a very large undertaking and spans many years to implement,” he said. “Staff is heavily engaged with other transit agencies in the region that have started these types of projects, including OPTA, CUTA, and Metrolinx to name a few, the scope of work involved and the trials of what worked and what didn’t. The technology, although ever changing daily, is still very much in its infancy stage with continuing improvements. The City is watching others very closely and we’re gathering as much knowledge as possible. This will be a cautious, mindful and responsible approach.”
The city’s current fleet of buses - 15, 40-foot diesel units - have a timeline that ranges from 2013-2022, and Mousley said the oldest ones still in service are scheduled to be replaced later this year when two new hybrid buses are delivered.
“Normally these buses will last 10-12 years prior to being repowered or retired,” he said. “The future plan would be, if all goes according to plan, to replace old buses with BEBs commencing in the next 3-4 years over the 20-year project.”
The cost of a new diesel bus similar to ones already in service in the city’s fleet is approximately $700,000, while a new BEB unit comes in between $1.3-$1.5 million each depending on battery size. Mousley added that new infrastructure would be required and result in a large up-front cost at the start of the project but, based on present-day information the department is using, it is predicted there will be a $400,000 savings annually once the fleet is fully transitioned. Currently, the city spends in the neighbourhood of $750,000 annually on diesel fuel.
As far as the number of vehicles Stratford is looking at, Mousley indicated the study suggests they would need close to 20 units in total.
“With present technology - 575 kilowatt hour and 675 kilowatt hour battery packs - and due to electric buses only lasting about 10 hours on a full charge per 675/kwh battery in best-case situations, two to four additional buses ‘might’ be required to properly service the full 16-hour service day while fleet comes back to get recharged and switched with a fully charged unit,” he said. “Facility upgrades could be complex, from structural (roof-top solar system to generate additional power and/or roof-mounted charging systems), updated fire restraint systems and at a minimum 2-3 software programs to monitor all power infrastructure that needs to be monitored 24-7. Power supply, from what the study told us, is sufficient although some upgrades will be necessary.”
In present dollar amounts, Mousley said the cost over a 20-year timeframe would be approximately $25 million - $6 million of which would be the city’s responsibility.
