City of Saskatoon says decision needed now on buying new buses; recommends diesel instead of electric [Video]

The City of Saskatoon administration says it cannot wait longer on a decision to purchase new buses if they want them in place before winter of next year.

It also recommends purchasing diesel buses instead of electric ones, citing costs and the federal government’s decision to deny the city’s application for funding.

A report being tabled at the transportation committee says the city applied for funding under the Zero Emission Transit Fund to assist with its fleet renewal strategy. The transit fleet renewal plan, approved in December 2023, included purchasing a total of 30 40-foot battery electric buses for a total of $47 million, subject to getting approved for funding from Ottawa, which would cover half of the cost. Fifteen buses would be purchased in 2024 and 15 in 2025.

Further assessment in 2024 revealed that about $7.3 million would be needed for charging infrastructure to support 30 electric buses, …