In 2020, 35 heavy-duty and 25 medium-duty compressed natural gas (CNG) buses were added to Victoria’s bus fleet.
Now, an additional ten new heavy duty CNG buses are being added in the move to transition to a fully electric bus fleet.
CNG technology has both environmental and economic benefits, with reductions in tailpipe emissions and overall operational costs.
Natural gas to fuel BC Transit’s CNG fleets are supplied by FortisBC and the CNG fueling station is built and maintained by Clean Energy.
The new, 40-foot heavy-duty ‘New Flyer’ buses can carry 35 seated passengers and 46 standing passengers. Buses are also equipped with bike racks, white LED destination signs, a full driver door and a protective door on the exterior of the operator seat.
Passengers will also be able to take advantage of on board USB charging ports.
Each heavy-duty CNG bus is approximately $710,000, funded through the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the federal and provincial government and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.
The Victoria Regional Transit System is one of just five BC Transit systems operating CNG fleets in a move toward more environmentally friendly transit options.
Other areas operating similar fleets include Whistler, Nanaimo, Kamloops and the Central Fraser Valley.
