The federal government has announced a partnership with Langs Bus Lines to replace nearly half of their diesel school buses with 200 electric ones. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary Peter Fragiskatos, MP Arielle Kayabaga, Brian Reilly, Senior Director of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), and Kevin Langs, Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines.
Through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), Infrastructure Canada is allocating over $22.2 million in federal funding to Langs. Additionally, CIB has completed a financial agreement on a $22.4 million investment with the company. The combined efforts of ZETF funding and the CIB loan will support the acquisition of new buses by 2026.
A portion of the ZETF investment will also be used for installing necessary charging stations and upgrading facilities at five locations across southwestern Ontario. The new electric buses will serve students in densely populated areas of Sarnia, Strathroy, London, and Woodstock. Furthermore, more than $600,000 of the ZETF funding is earmarked for a feasibility study to aid Langs in enhancing their understanding and readiness for the electric transition.
CIB’s loan will assist in managing the higher initial capital costs of the electric buses, facilitating a faster transition to a cleaner fleet. Langs Bus Lines, a family-operated business for over 50 years, provides transportation using buses, vans, and mobility accessible vehicles in London, Sarnia, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, and the surrounding areas of Southwestern Ontario. The shift towards an electric fleet aligns with their commitment to promoting cleaner transportation and reducing students’ exposure to bus emissions.
Quotes
“Electric school buses will help 9,000 students in Southwestern Ontario get to school safely. 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.” Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“School buses fulfill a critical need in our communities by providing a safe and reliable way for children to arrive at school. These vehicles drive thousands of kilometres every year, contributing to pollution and noise. The federal government’s investment in 200 electric, zero-emission school buses for Langs Bus Lines will benefit students and our communities for years to come.” Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West
“Diesel buses significantly contribute to carbon emissions across the country and there is an important opportunity to transform the school bus market to electric. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s investment in Langs Bus Lines will help students get to and from school in sustainable zero-emission vehicles.” Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank
“We are thrilled to have the support from the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, which will help us provide safe and sustainable transportation for students,” expressed Kevin Langs, Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines Limited. “With this funding, we will be transitioning from retiring diesel buses to zero-emission battery electric school buses. This will ensure that thousands of students across southwestern Ontario enjoy a safe, emission-free journey to school each day.”
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