In a significant step toward sustainability, Saskatoon has unveiled its first electric buses, marking a milestone in the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The two new buses, showcased at the civic operations centre, are fully electric and emissions-friendly.
“This is marking a significant milestone in our commitment to public transportation,” Mike Moellenbeck, director of transportation for the City of Saskatoon, said at the unveiling event on Thursday.
“In July of 2020, Saskatoon piloted an electric battery bus over a 12-month period to evaluate the performance and feasibility of battery electric buses in Saskatoon’s climate. Building on that success, the city council approved an initial investment into battery electric buses.”
Despite the buses costing $400,000 more than the current diesel models, the city believes the investment is justified. The electric buses are a part of Saskatoon’s strategy to meet its climate action goals.