Zero-emission buses

Benefits

A ZEB fleet has the following benefits:

• No pollution, no greenhouse gas emissions*footnote icon
• Reduced operating costs
• Lower noise pollution

Current and future orders

The latest additions to our active fleet went into service in early 2025. They are part of a shipment of 22 Xcelsior 40 buses from New Flyer Industries. The remaining buses in the order will enter service following testing and inspection. An additional 29 New Flyer ZEBs are arriving later in the year.

We’re also awaiting delivery of four Nova Bus LFSe+ ZEBs by the end of Q1 2025. An additional 51 Nova Bus LFSe+ buses are arriving later this year.

Accessibility features:

• Low floor (kneeling)
• Retractable boarding ramp
• Spaces for mobility devices
• Clearer exterior signs
• Improved interior info screens
• Audiovisual announcements
• Artificial vehicle sounds alert pedestrians that the bus is approaching

History and milestones

Converting our entire bus fleet to ZEBs is no easy feat. Here is a timeline of the key steps in this process:

What’s a structural retrofit?

A structural retrofit prepares a garage for ZEB electrical infrastructure and ZEB parking/charging. This work involves:

• New and improved sprinkler system
• Replacement of trench drains
• Localized concrete repairs
• Fire separation
• New lighting and overhead doors
• Ceiling structure upgrades to support the weight of pantographs

For St‑Laurent South Garage, this work will take place in two phases. Phase 1 started in 2023 and finished in February 2024. Fifteen lanes were retrofitted (13 for bus parking and 2 for electrical charging equipment) during this phase. Phase two is from January 2025 to October 2025. Twelve lanes are being retrofitted (11 for bus parking and 1 for electrical charging equipment).  None of these lanes are maintenance lanes. The are only for bus parking and charging.

What do electrical infrastructure upgrades entail?

Garage electrical infrastructure work involves:

• Installing electrical rooms, charging cabinets, and pantographs
• Cabling to connect ZEB charging equipment
• Testing and commissioning to ensure the equipment works properly

Funding and sponsors

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) invested $380 million with the ZEB program. This will help finance up to 350 ZEBs through 2027. 

The CIB’s loan will go towards upfront costs of the buses. The lower operating costs of ZEBs compared to diesel buses cover the loan’s repayment.

Hydro Ottawa supplies energy and charging equipment through a separate agreement with the City.

ZEB stories and explainers

OC Explained

Zero Emission Bus Project

Less greenhouse gas emissions, same great service and lower operating costs.

Zero emission bus program: Read this story

Recap

November 25 Transit Commission Update

2025 draft budget, Para Transpo Talk series, arrival of the latest zero-emission bus (ZEB) and our 40th annual OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive.

November 25 Transit Commission recap: Read this story

Recap

October 10 Transit Commission Update

Update on our Zero Emission Buses, upcoming Line 1 maintenance and the New Ways to Bus campaign.

October 10 Transit Commission recap: Read this story

*That is, levels falling within the GHG and air pollutant measure set by the Government of Canada.