A greener transit system is coming to the City of Regina with the help of 20 zero emission buses and related charging infrastructure after a combined investment of $52.2 million from the federal and municipal governments.

“I am proud that we are able to support this project that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping the residents of Regina get around conveniently, affordably, and comfortably. We will continue supporting transit services that make lives better for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Sustainability is essential for the future environmental and economic well-being of our city. We appreciate the federal government’s investment and support as the City of Regina transitions to an electric transit system. Becoming a net-zero community by 2050 requires us to shift practices in many areas, and these 20 electric buses will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 9.21 per cent, as well as decrease operating expenses in the long term.”

Her Worship Sandra Masters, Mayor of the City of Regina

• The federal government is investing $26,106,500 in this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), and the City of Regina is contributing $26,106,500.

• The ZETF is accepting applications under the Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can apply for funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to electrifying school transportation and public transit systems, including the purchase of zero-emission buses and related infrastructure.

• The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses 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 creating jobs and supporting Canadian manufacturing. 

• This Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Zero Emission Bus Initiative through which the CIB has committed more than $1.5 billion to supporting more zero emission buses on the roads.

• Since 2015, the federal government has announced an unprecedented investment of over $30 billion in thousands of transit projects in communities across the country.

• The Zero Emission Transit Fund complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan, the government has committed to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community.

• On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, which highlights the need for a collaborative, region-specific approach to sustainability, focusing on strengthening the coordination of federal programs, and initiatives with significant investments. This Framework is a first step in a journey that will bring together multiple stakeholders. 

• PrairiesCan has dedicated $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to build a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

• Building a green Prairie economy is about working together on common interests, to make a sustainable and prosperous net-zero economy achievable.

• Infrastructure Canada is supporting the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the Prairies that better meet their needs. 

Associated links

• Zero Emission Transit Fund
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan
• Canada Infrastructure Bank - Zero-Emission Buses Initiative
• Building a Green Prairie Economy Act
• Building a Green Prairie Economy

For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

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Infrastructure Canada
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City of Regina
306-777-7486
mediarelations@regina.ca