In an initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability of its transit system, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has embarked on Phase 2 of its Zero Emission Bus Project. This ambitious plan reflects the municipality's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing towards a greener public transportation system.
On May 20, the HRM celebrated the official opening of the upgraded Ragged Lake Transit Centre (RLTC). The facility has undergone significant renovations to support the deployment of 60 electric buses across the city’s transit network. The upgrades to the RLTC are a critical component of the city’s transition to zero-emission bus services.
The retrofitting process of the RLTC included several key features designed to accommodate the new electric fleet. Among these enhancements is the construction of a 3,100 m one-story expansion of the bus storage garage. Additionally, the facility has seen the addition of four additional lanes to the storage building, enabling it to house an extra 40 buses.
Furthermore, the upgrades have included the installation of 67 electric bus charging stalls, providing essential infrastructure for the operation of the new fleet. Additionally, the facility now boasts a solar array installed on top of the existing building, contributing to the overall sustainability of the transit centre and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The funding for the initial phase of the Zero Emission Bus Project amounted to a total of $112 million, which was secured through joint contributions from the governments of Canada, Nova Scotia, and HRM. This financial backing underscores the strategic partnership between various levels of government in transforming public transportation.
As HRM progresses into Phase 2 of the project, they have outlined a funding model that comprises $6.5 million from the federal government and $7.1 million each from the provincial and municipal governments. This financial support will be allocated towards the planning and design of a new Burnside Transit Centre, which aims to accommodate future advancements in public transit technology.
HRM has designated this development as an “eco-rebuild,” intended to create a facility that will support the evolving fuel models in public transportation. The new Burnside Transit Centre is projected to be operational by 2028, marking another significant step in the municipality’s transition towards sustainable transit solutions.
The overarching goal of HRM is to transition Halifax Transit to a fully zero-emission fleet. To this end, the municipality is currently exploring the future of Halifax Transit’s conventional bus fleet. This exploration involves assessing various options, including battery electric buses and alternative propulsion technologies such as renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen fuel cells.
With these developments, HRM is set on a path towards transforming public transit in Halifax, focusing on sustainability and the implementation of innovative technologies. The ongoing commitment to zero-emission transit represents a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and enhancing the quality of public transportation in the region.
