November 30, 2015
Province and City to Evaluate Electrifying Winnipeg's Transit System
– – –Electric Transit System Will Lay Foundation For More Environmentally Friendly Public Transit: Premier Selinger, Mayor Bowman
The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg are establishing a task force to investigate the potential of an all-electric transit system, Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
“Manitoba is already a worldwide leader in clean bus technology,” said Premier Selinger. “This will allow us to take the next steps in creating good green jobs and a clean environment.”
A task force has been assembled with representatives from the city and province, Manitoba Hydro, New Flyer and Red River College to consider the many aspects of changing Winnipeg’s existing transit system to an all-electric model. This will include plans to add charging infrastructure to existing routes and the southwest rapid transit corridor. Findings are expected to be given to the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg in early spring 2016.
“We are pleased to participate in this task force,” said Mayor Bowman. “It will allow us to critically examine the feasibility of transitioning more of Winnipeg’s transit fleet to electric models, and whether the technology is in place to meet the service needs of our city.”
Winnipeg Transit’s current fleet includes 618 busses which travel a combined 29 million kilometres per year, serving more than 5,100 bus stops in neighbourhoods throughout the city.
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