Today, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, the Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, and His Worship Peter Muttart, Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings and Chair of the Kings Transit Authority Board, announced a joint investment of more than $11.9 million to support the purchase of Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs), hybrid transit vehicles, and related infrastructure in Kings County.
This project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 is planning and Phase 2 is construction and implementation. Phase 1 will help identify the appropriate fleet vehicles and fleet size as well as the optimal type and location of charging infrastructure, assess the current facilities, make recommendations for upgrades or replacement, and estimate timelines and costs associated with Phase 2.
In Phase 2, the Kings Transit Authority fleet will transition to ZEBs and hybrid transit vehicles. The transit authority will expand their facility to house up to four 40-foot ZEBs, seven 15-passenger hybrid-electric vehicles, and one Hybrid-Electric Supervisor Safety Response Unit. The expanded facility will include space for fleet maintenance and chargers. The facility will also get an electrical upgrade and protection from weather during the winter months, extending the life of the fleet. There will also be supporting charging infrastructure installed throughout Kings County in Waterville, Greenwood, Canning, Avonport, Coldbrook at the Municipality County of Kings building, and Alysford Lake Beach.
The new vehicles will provide an enhanced passenger experience with features such as audible next stop announcements and LED signage, public Wi-Fi, and upgraded bus security systems that will include real-time camera viewing, automatic Wi-Fi uploading and emergency real-time contact options. The transit authority will install driver-monitoring devices to provide a safer passenger experience and implement contactless fare options via mobile applications.
Once complete, this project will reduce the region's carbon footprint and improve the capacity of public transit infrastructure, the quality and safety of the transit system, and access to public transit in Kings County.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
