Acquisition of Hybrid Electric Vehicles for the City of Windsor Transit Services
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Transportation
Project value$11,407,133
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
Public Transit
Grant amount$400,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Corporation of the City of Windsor, ON
Loan amount$2,000,000
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
229,660
Project timeline
2008 - 2010
Project number
10153
Description
After developing its Transit Master Plan (GMF 7163), the City of Windsor plans to introduce 18 hybrid electric buses into its transit fleet. The goals include increasing the use of public transit, reducing the use of cars, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise levels. One bus will be delivered in advance and will be used to train mechanics and drivers. The remaining buses will be delivered and put into service a few weeks later. The project team will monitor key performance indicators, including reliability, fuel economy and emission reductions. The team will use Transport Canada’s Urban Transportation Emission Calculator to measure emission reductions. The introduction of hybrid buses is part of the City’s larger Transit Master Plan, which is expected to double transit ridership. The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 38 per cent, nitrogen oxides by 49 per cent and particulate matter by 60 per cent. The use of hybrid vehicles will improve fuel efficiency by 20 per cent. Hybrid vehicles also require less maintenance and last longer. The project will improve air quality, reduce noise levels in the community and reduce health costs related to air pollution.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
Transit Windsor, ON