Making Transit History:
I’ve always believed that sustainable transportation isn’t just a dream it’s a necessity. And today, Winnipeg takes a major step forward.
Next week, Winnipeg Transit will launch its first 60-foot zero-emission bus (ZEB) into limited service, making us the first city in Canada to operate articulated electric buses in our fleet. These aren’t just any buses often called “bendy buses,” they’re the largest in the fleet and can carry 50% more passengers than a standard 40-foot bus.
These electric buses will run during peak weekday hours while Transit ensures everything is running smoothly, with mechanics on standby to monitor performance. After 30 days of this careful rollout, the buses will move into full-time service. And this is just the start by the end of 2025, eight of these 60-foot ZEBs will be on the road, with another 24 expected early in 2026.
This shift is backed by $280.3 million in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supporting 90 ZEBs, 85 diesel buses, and the charging infrastructure needed to make this transition possible.
Each 60-foot ZEB will reduce more than 100 tonnes of tailpipe emissions annually. For me, this is about more than just numbers it’s about leaving a cleaner, healthier city for the next generation.
Fuel-cell battery-electric buses powered by hydrogen can run for up to 24 hours. Battery-electric buses run for 10–15 hours on a charge. As we collect real-world data, Winnipeg will better understand how each technology performs in our climate, guiding our long-term transit plans.
This is what progress looks like and I’m proud to see it happening right here in Winnipeg.
To read more about the Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program, visit: winnipegtransit.com/zeb
Let’s keep moving forward together.
Cindy
