Saskatoon Transit analyzes readiness for a zero emissions bus fleet

Saskatoon Transit contracted the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) through the National Planning Service for the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, to create a comprehensive Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Implementation Plan. The plan assessed Saskatoon Transit's readiness to transition to a fully zero emission bus fleet.

The study considers economic, technological, social and environmental benefits, risks and constraints of investing in zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure in Saskatoon using three scenarios: full battery electric bus (BEB) fleet, full hydrogen fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) fleet and a fleet with a mix of both.

Both battery electric and hydrogen-powered buses rely significantly on the power grid for charging or fuel production. Saskatchewan power plants use fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas to generate electricity, which emit greenhouse gases and offset the benefits of reduced tailpipe emissions from zero emission buses.

Financial cost is also a significant factor, as the total life cycle cost (15 years) of a fleet of 100% FCEBs would cost $1.1 billion using current prices and $18.2 million for facility retrofits. A fleet of 100% BEBs would have a total life cycle cost (15 years) of $479.2 million and require $47.7 million in facility costs and on-route charging infrastructure.

“The data and analysis in the zero emissions bus study provide a roadmap for Saskatoon Transit to follow when power is generated by a higher proportion of renewable energy sources in Saskatchewan,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Saskatoon Transit will continue to monitor advancements in technology, funding programs and changes in the power grid to transition to ZEBs when it is feasible.”

"Transit decarbonization is a critical pathway to the reduction of emissions at the municipal level. But based on the carbon intensity of provincial grids, electrification is not always a slam dunk because of pollution from electrical grids,” says Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of CUTRIC. “As the provincial grid system decarbonizes in upcoming decades, electrification will become a more viable option for cities like Saskatoon as they transition away from fossil fuels."

A new Transit fleet renewal strategy for annual diesel bus purchases will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation (SPCT) for consideration in June.

For more information, please refer to the Full-Fleet Zero Emission Bus Implementation Plan - CUTRIC Report on the agenda for today's SPCT meeting.