By 2026, Langs Bus Lines plans to have replaced nearly half of its fleet of diesel school buses with electric one.
The Strathroy-based, family owned bus line has received $44 million from the federal government to make the switch. The cash, $22.2 million from the Zero Emission Transit Fund and $22.4 million in a loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), was announced on Friday.
“With this funding, we will replace diesel engine buses that are retiring from service with zero-emission battery electric school buses," said Langs Vice-President Kevin Langs. "Thousands of students in our service area throughout southwestern Ontario will benefit from a safe, emissions-free ride every school day.”
In total, Langs will be replacing 200 buses. It will also put a portion of the money toward the installation of required chargers and upgrading existing facilities in five sites across southwestern Ontario. The new buses will serve students in London, Sarnia, Strathroy, and Woodstock.
Peter Fragiskatos, London North Centre MP and parliamentary secretary for the minister of infrastructure, was on hand for the funding announcement. He was joined by London West MP Arielle Kayabaga and Senior Director of the CIB Brian Reilly.
“Electric school buses will help 9,000 students in Southwestern Ontario get to school safely" said Fragiskatos. "At the same time, they will play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target of net-zero by 2050.”
According to Langs, replacing the buses will reduce yearly greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 tonnes, which is the equivalent to offsetting the yearly energy consumption of 550 homes.