The Town of Milton provided a first-look at Canada’s first mid-life diesel-to-electric bus conversion this week.
A project update was provided, as Town Council was able to enjoy the bus’s first ride. It now prepares for road testing and high-voltage training.
“We are celebrating a milestone for a project that shows how we work with local partners and innovate to better serve the people of Milton,” says Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “Transit will become increasingly important in Milton’s future. Electrification is one way to make it even more sustainable.”
The Town of Milton is working with Milton-based MTB Transit Solutions on this conversion project. Milton also collaborated with Turbo Studio to create a clean, youthful, and modern look that aligns with Milton Transit’s branding.
As Milton Transit explores electrifying its bus fleet, this pilot will provide useful details on charging, maintenance, performance, and cost related to the conversion process. Milton is the first municipality in Canada to pilot mid-life, diesel-to-battery-electric conversion technology on a transit bus.
“As a Town, we want to make the best decisions possible as we increase transit investments to meet the needs of Milton residents,” adds Kristene Scott, Commissioner, Corporate Services. “This pilot is helping us learn about diesel-to-electric conversion as one route to a greener bus fleet.”
The bus will begin road testing in April to fine-tune features and procedures such as regenerative braking, battery performance, hill holds, passenger loading, route patterns, and acceleration. This will help Milton Transit understand and optimize the schedule when the bus enters in to regular service.
MTB will train bus drivers on the new electric bus, and provide high-voltage training for mechanics and first responders. They’re also expected to conduct warm-weather testing and fine-tune the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
“This bus is a leading example of how we can shift transit vehicles from diesel power to a cleaner source of energy,” says Gara Hay, President, MTB Transit Solutions. “We are happy to continue our pioneering work with the Town on this Canadian first.”
The plan is for the bus to be ready by the summer. Once in service, the 12-metre electric bus will eliminate tailpipe emissions and offer passengers reduced noise and vibration to make their experience more comfortable.
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