Canada accelerates the transition to zero-emission transit

BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Public transit is an essential part of building affordable and connected communities. Investments in public transit helps more Canadians find quick, affordable and healthy ways to move around their communities.

Shifting vehicles towards zero emission alternatives will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will mitigate the impact of climate change on our towns and cities, while making our communities cleaner and quieter places to live and work in.

Comprehensive planning and implementation of zero emission bus deployment are essential elements to encouraging the expansion and adoption of clean technology, and investing in zero emission transit will ensure we are building clean, and inclusive communities.

To help achieve this, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, launched a call for applications, under the Zero Emission Transit Fund, for one or more not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions to provide planning and advisory services to municipalities and transit agencies across Canada as they look to deploy zero emission transit. Up to $15 million is available through this launch to support these services. Applications are being accepted from October 29, 2026 to January 14, 2027.

The successful applicants will work with municipalities and transit agencies across Canada to help them transition to zero emission buses (ZEB) and related infrastructure. The organization(s) will also provide opportunities for municipalities and transit agencies to seek planning and advisory support for their ZEB projects. Planning and advisory services include detailed assessments and analysis, modelling, deployment strategies, performance measurement, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building activities. This work can help transit operators understand the technical and operational requirements of zero emission buses and prepare for future fleet and infrastructure investments. The Government of Canada will open a new capital intake under the Zero Emission Transit Fund in the coming months.

Canada's future depends on our ability to innovate, build, and compete. By advancing innovation in various industries, including public transportation, we are supporting Canadian manufacturers, reducing emissions, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

Quotes

"Investing in green and sustainable transit systems is a key step in reducing emissions in Canada. Through this call to application, we are helping communities create a roadmap to greener transit."

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Quick Facts

• Details on eligibility, requirements, application process and deadline are available on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website.
• Planning support may include feasibility studies, technology assessments, fleet transition planning, infrastructure and utility considerations, procurement planning, workforce readiness, and knowledge-sharing activities. 
• Public transit is an essential part of building affordable and connected communities. From buses and subways, to multi-use pathways and protected bikeways, public transit and active transportation infrastructure help Canadians get to where they need to go and stay connected to family and friends.
• The Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) provides approximately $25 billion over 10 years for public transit and active transportation infrastructure. The CPTF offers both stable and predictable funding to address long-term transit goals and improve access to public transit and active transportation. 
• The transportation sector accounts for 25% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. The CPTF, particularly the Zero Emission Transit Fund, is a key program that help shift vehicles towards zero emission alternatives, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Through CPTF's Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Government of Canada is investing to support public transit operators plan for electrification, purchase zero emission buses and build supporting infrastructure, including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades. 
• The transition to zero emissions transit will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada's net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working toward a cleaner environment for our kids while supporting Canadian manufacturing.

Associated Links

• Call for applications for Zero Emission Bus Planning Support
• Canada Public Transit Fund

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact:Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]