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Kelowna one of several B.C. communities to welcome eco-friendly buses

66 new electric buses set to roll out across nine communities
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One of BC Transit’s new battery powered electric buses facing the side and back. (Ella Matte/News Staff)

B.C. is gearing up for a greener future with the introduction of 66 new electric buses set to roll out across nine communities, including Kelowna.

The move marks a significant step towards sustainability in public transportation according to Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming.

“Innovation in our public transit system helps us create a greener future for everyone. As we start to electrify our transit fleet more people will be able to make cleaner transportation choices affordably,” Fleming said.

Bus allocations to each community will be confirmed as the projects progress.

Approximately 134 new electric bus charging points are expected to be installed in the communities over the next two years, contributing to a more eco-friendly transit network.

Funding totalling $395.5 million has been allocated for buses and infrastructure, with contributions from the Government of Canada, the province, and local government partners.

BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton emphasized that the projects align with company objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in collaboration with the province’s CleanBC roadmap.

“Electrification of our fleet is a significant part of our plan to reduce GHG emissions and ensure a cleaner and healthier future for everyone,” she said.

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Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Recently joined Kelowna Capital News and WestK News as a multimedia journalist in January 2022. With almost 30 years of experience in news reporting and radio broadcasting...
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