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First electric bus in the region launched today (9 photos)

The debut of the electric bus at the Newmarket terminal this morning marks the start of a trial to gradually electrify the transit fleet and reduce carbon footprint

York Region Transit (YRT) launched its first electric bus at the Newmarket terminal this morning, marking the start of a trial to gradually electrify the transit fleet and reduce York Region’s carbon footprint.

The electric bus trial will operate on routes 55 Davis Drive and 44 Bristol in the Town of Newmarket, according to a York Region news release.

Electric bus technology will help the regional government reach its objective of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2051. Over the next five years, York Region has committed to $14 million in energy conservation initiatives.  

Electric buses are noticeably quieter than traditional vehicles, minimizing noise for passengers, as well as in the community.

Strategies to reduce corporate emissions focus on transit, buildings, non-transit fleets and water and wastewater processes are outlined in the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan.