Transdev Canada invests in electric school buses
Transdev Canada announced the investment of close to CAD$4.5 million in a new fleet of electric school buses with the Quebec company Lion. With a total of 31 vehicles, this move will make them the largest private operator of electric school buses in North America to date.
The investment was further supported by the Quebec government’s proactive support policy, and the new electric school buses will begin service with the new school year in September 2020 in the Estrie and Montérégie regions of Quebec.
“We wanted to demonstrate a strong commitment regarding energy transition, and in particular to serve the younger generations who are the public transportation passengers of tomorrow,” said Arthur Nicolet, Chief Executive Officer of Transdev Canada. At the end of last year, the company had 800 buses in operation around the world, with a total fleet of 1,200 vehicles paid for (some were not delivered at the time of the count).
The choice to electrify this particular area’s bus fleets was made due to the “dynamic local ecosystem”, as well as the “fact that the energy produced locally is mostly hydraulic, and therefore among the cleanest in the world”. “We are convinced of the major role we can play in all communities and firmly believe in the future of the sustainable mobility sector in the province,” added Marie-Hélène Cloutier, Executive Vice-President Quebec and Maritimes of Transdev Canada.
This is also not the first instance of the two companies working together, as the first contract was assigned back in 2016. Marc Bédard, President and Founder of The Lion Electric Co, underlined the lengthy and successful interaction: “We have been happy to support Transdev in their commitment to sustainable mobility since 2016. With thirty-one 100% electric LionC school buses in their fleet, Transdev’s green shift is certain to have a major impact on the environment and children’s health for years to come.”
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