The City of Saint John announced Tuesday afternoon that the city’s first full-sized, fully electric bus has officially been put into regular service.
It was unveiled during a special ceremony to replace one of the diesel buses currently part of Saint John Transit’s fleet.
Ian Fogan, director of Saint John Transit, said it marks a major milestone in the municipality’s transit system and highlights a commitment to cleaner, sustainable and green transportation,.
“This electric model will not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 50 tons annually but will also save at least $20,000 each year in fuel costs,” said Fogan.
The 40-foot bus, manufactured by BYD, can hold 41 passengers and can travel almost 300 kilometres on a single five-hour charge. It also has a low floor to make it fully accessible.
BYD is the world’s leading manufacturer of battery-electric buses, with more than 50,000 vehicles on the road globally.
“Green transportation is the future of public transit systems around the world, and the City of Saint John will be a part of it,” said Nick Cameron, chair of the Saint John Transit Commission.
“We are taking bold steps towards becoming emission-free while also better meeting the needs of transit users.”