CUTRIC launches ZEB joint procurement initiative, CUTZEB
The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has launched the Canadian Urban Transit Zero Emissions Bus (CUTZEB™) joint procurement initiative that will have a singular focus: Support Canadian public transit agencies in the procurement of turn-key zero emission transit technologies.
The technology-oriented organization will work with agencies to pursue implementation of battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and their respective charging and hydrogen fueling systems. CUTRIC explains CUTZEB brings together small to mid-sized agencies in Canada to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective joint procurement process.
“CUTZEB is the logical extension of CUTRIC’s important work to help transit agencies verify the performance claims of zero-emission bus manufacturers,” said Chris Hill, chair of CUTZEB’s Board of Directors and program manager for Fleet Planning with the city of Guelph. “A well-planned procurement that includes electrical supply and charging equipment, as well as buses, is critical to the successful deployment of this new technology.”
CUTRIC explains many transit agencies, in particular smaller agencies, face gaps in financial and technological processes surrounding zero-emission fleet transitions and deployments. A recent report from CALSTART, 2023 Zeroing in on ZEBs, included data showing Ontario, which hosts nearly 40 percent of the country’s population, had more than double the ZEBs than the other provinces combined.
CUTRIC says CUTZEB will expedite commercial-scale deployment of ZEB technologies and plans to complete multiple rounds of joint procurements to support the government of Canada’s zero-emission bus target of 5,000 ZEBs by 2026 while bringing together small to mid-sized transit agencies.
“We knew that transit agencies wanting to electrify their fleets didn’t just want buses or chargers, but turn-key solutions — the buses, the chargers, the installation, the maintenance and everything in between. They wanted all of that in a package that could be delivered by a consortium, which is where the idea for CUTZEB emerged,” said Josipa Petrunic, president and CEO of CUTRIC and CUTZEB. “Now, with CUTRIC and CUTZEB working synergistically, we can ensure there is comprehensive support behind transit agencies and municipalities to undertaking zero emission bus electrification and planning studies, and therefore getting one step close to reaching zero-emission fleet goals.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
