The government of Canada, the government of Prince Edward Island and the city of Charlottetown will provide joint funding of C$22.7 million (US$16.9 million) to support the expansion and electrification of public transit in Charlottetown.
The investment will enable the construction of a new maintenance facility, with storage bays to accommodate 19 electric buses, three maintenance bays, seven new battery electric buses and three new diesel buses to maintain adequate service coverage during the electrification process.
To support sustainable operations, the project will also include the installation of a 400kWh Solar Battery Energy Storage System. The technology will stabilize the energy demand for electric bus charging, leading to reduced utility costs. Additionally, four electric vehicle chargers will be installed in the new facility to further reinforce the commitment to eco-friendly public transit infrastructure.
“Our government is investing in infrastructure that supports a strong economy, creates jobs and builds greener, more resilient communities. The investment we’re making today will improve public transit for thousands of Islanders while lowering our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser.
The government of Canada is investing C$4.6 million (US$3.4 million) towards the construction of a new maintenance facility and C$4.4 million (US$3.2 million) for the purchase of new electric and diesel buses The government of Prince Edward Island is contributing C$3.8 million (US$2.8 million) towards the construction of a new maintenance facility and C$3.7 million (US$2.7 million) for the purchase of new electric and diesel buses. The city of Charlottetown is contributing C$3 million (US$2.2 million) towards the construction of a new maintenance facility. The city of Charlottetown, the town of Stratford and the town of Cornwall are providing a joint contribution of C$2.9 million (US$2.1 million) for the purchase of new electric and diesel buses.
The government of Canada’s funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The stream supports the building, expansion and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.
Ten infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been funded in Prince Edward Island, with a total federal contribution of more than C$12.5 million (US$9.3 million) and a total provincial contribution of nearly C$10.4 million (US$7.7 million).
“The city of Charlottetown prioritizes supporting the needs of our growing community while meeting our responsibility to environmental sustainability. It's important for residents and visitors to be able to move around without the burden of owning a vehicle or contributing to our carbon footprint. This funding will aid the growth of more sustainable transport for the residents of the entire capital region,” said Mayor of Charlottetown Philip Brown.
