Considering Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training? Zero-Emissions Public Transport Could be on the Horizon
The Canadian government has made significant strides toward reducing vehicle emissions in recent years. The current plan involves making electric vehicles more available to the everyday driver by ensuring they are more affordable, encouraging businesses to embrace the electrification of their heavy-duty fleets, pursuing international partnerships to support the initiative, and more.
Despite the government’s efforts, many Canadians lack the disposable income to make the switch. Reducing carbon emissions remains a pressing issue, and innovative solutions are needed to advance electrification in the transportation industry. For this reason, zero-emissions public transport is a natural next step. Keep reading to learn about Canada’s plan to make sustainability more accessible and what that means for your automotive career.
The Benefits of Sustainable Public Transport
Canadians have long been encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by walking, biking and using public transportation. Though public transportation reduces emissions significantly, these vehicles are still powered by combustion engines and thus create pollution. Zero-emissions buses are a great way to promote greener communities.
The goal is to improve air quality and develop a more stable infrastructure that’s less reliant on pollutants and fluctuating energy costs. Fortunately, plans to implement zero-emissions public transport in some of Canada’s metropolitan areas are already in motion. For career seekers considering hybrid and electrical mechanic training, this significant development in the adoption of electric vehicles could indicate great opportunities in the transportation industry.
Canadian Cities Leading the Adoption of Zero-Emissions Public Transport
In early February, the Government of British Columbia committed to a $16 million investment in 15 new battery-powered TransLink buses. The investment will come from the Canada Community Building Fund and will be administered by the union of British Columbia Municipalities. The Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure is optimistic, saying: “Battery-electric buses are an important part of the future of public transportation. TransLink’s battery-electric bus fleet will provide more sustainable transit options and will help reach our government’s emissions reductions targets set out in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.”
Several other Canadian cities are following suit, making strides in adopting zero-emissions public transportation. In fact, at the end of January 2023, Ottawa’s transit commission voted overwhelmingly in favour of a plan to buy 350 zero-emissions buses over the next three years. Calgary is also embarking on an ambitious journey towards public transport electrification, teaming up with The Canada Infrastructure Bank for a $165 million investment to purchase 259 zero-emissions buses by 2027.
Possible Opportunities For Automotive School Graduates
The introduction of zero-emissions buses in Canada is exciting for all who hope to see a greener future for Canada. The government is clearly serious about promoting widespread electrification in the transportation industry. This will benefit anyone wanting to become a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic because the training helps students gain the skills needed to service EVs like those that Canadian cities are now seeking to purchase for public transport. Students will also learn about the maintenance, repair, and safety implications of electric vehicles in our hands-on training program to prepare for the career opportunities that await in the future.
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