Exceptional service and Zero Emission Transit

Oakville Transit (Town of Oakville), located in Ontario, is dedicated to providing exceptional service and cutting-edge solutions. Recently, they welcomed 15 eJEST buses manufactured by Karsan Automotive into their fleet as part of their transition to a zero-emission transportation system. Oakville Transit’s first batch of zero-emission battery-electric specialized buses arrived in January 2023. The town is on track to acquire the first 15 buses to be used for conventional services (larger buses operating for fixed routes) in early 2024. The Karsan eJest electric bus model will replace and expand Oakville's specialized bus fleet, featuring a unique and innovative design with low floor, key for accessibility for customers. Over the next five years, it is planned that approximately 50 per cent of Oakville Transit’s fleet will be converted from diesel to electric.

Manufactured by Karsan, the 20-foot eJest model buses hit the streets on spring 2023 and is used to deliver transit services such as care-A-van, Home to Hub and Ride On-Demand (in north and southeast Oakville).

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Charging Infrastructure and Specialized Trainings

To support battery charging for the electric buses, 10 charging stations have also been installed at Oakville Transit’s operations facility.

To ensure a smooth integration, operators and mechanics underwent specialized training to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the new electric buses.

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The transformative impact

Feedback from both operators and customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with riders appreciating the quieter and more nimble nature of the eJEST buses. Operators have been particularly impressed by the vehicles' power and range, expressing a strong desire to operate them.

Adrian Kawun, Director of Oakville Transit, believes that the introduction of eJEST buses will have a transformative impact on the transit industry in North America. By eliminating the two-tier system with the introduction of the eJEST vehicles, which are 100 percent accessible, there is no longer a distinction between a conventional system and a specialized system. The eJEST transit bus becomes inclusive and available to everyone, removing any associated stigma and offering transit services to all individuals, regardless of their specific needs, at any time and anywhere.

Let's cite the words of Karsan CEO Okan Baş, who makes no secret of the manufacturer’s goals for the North American market:

«eJest has conquered Europe for three consecutive years; now it is beginning to blossom in North America as the first ever electric minibus. Our vehicles are quiet and environmentally friendly, and this matches Oakville’s vision of being Canada’s ‘most livable city.’ We are proud to play a key role in the city’s transition to electric transportation by delivering the city’s first zero-emission vehicles. We are making a quantum leap and launching our first electric minibuses in North America. We have high hopes and expect to expand our e-JEST deliveries to other parts of Canada in the near future. So far we have done well in Europe, now it’s time to grow in Canada and the rest of North America»

Net Zero Goal

Transit fleet electrification is one of key priority projects for Oakville Transit to address climate change, ease gridlock and improve connectivity.

Providing public transit services with battery-operated electric buses will have a significant positive impact on the town’s corporate goal to reduce GHG emissions by 80 per cent from 2014 levels by 2050. In 2020, the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario and the Town of Oakville announced joint funding to support the electrification of Oakville Transit buses, with the federal government contributing nearly $5.3 million, the province contributing $4.4 million and the town contributing over $3.5 million. This funding will support the first phase of electrification of approximately 50 per cent of the town’s transit fleet.

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“We are committed to taking action on climate change to cut pollution and grow our economy, and this project is a demonstration of our commitment. The first group of zero-emission, battery-electric, specialized buses arriving in Oakville is an exciting milestone for our community that will bring us one step closer to a net-zero emissions future by 2050. We will continue to work with partners to make Oakville one of the greenest and greatest places to live in Canada.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Oakville, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

• Ontario is investing $61.6 billion over 10 years to expand and improve public transit in communities across Ontario. This includes the GO Rail Expansion program, which will deliver frequent two-way, all-day service along core segments of the GO Rail network, including Oakville.
• The provincial and federal governments are providing more than $2.5 billion to support municipal transit systems across the province in response to COVID-19 through the Safe Restart Agreement.

"Our government is committed to supporting municipal transit in Oakville and in communities across Ontario. Oakville Transit's new, electric buses will provide safe and reliable options for commuters while reducing local air and noise pollution.”

Stephen Crawford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville

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Diesel fuel is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Oakville. Given Oakville’s 2019 climate emergency declaration, and its strong commitment to reducing its impact on the environment, the town is making use of available funding from the Government of Canada to accelerate greening its transit fleet.

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“Upgrading Oakville’s specialized bus fleet with zero-emission, electric vehicles is a big step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada’s support for green and sustainable infrastructure is helping to combat climate change and ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians. The introduction of the zero-emission battery-electric specialized buses demonstrates Oakville’s commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly community, which will contribute to meeting our 2050 target of achieving net-zero emissions.”

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Oakville North – Burlington

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The success of Oakville Transit's adoption of eJEST buses demonstrates their commitment to innovation and their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of their community. Electric buses do not produce harmful exhaust emissions or other greenhouse gases, they are more energy-efficient, quieter, provide a smoother experience for passengers, and use fewer parts than standard diesel buses, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for public transit systems. By embracing sustainable and accessible transportation solutions, Oakville Transit sets an inspiring example for transit agencies across North America.

"Adding electric buses will allow Oakville Transit to provide more service for people living in the Oakville and Halton Region. Helping Oakville Transit to electrify their ‘Green Fleet’ is another way our government is supporting municipalities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This ensures people and families can rely on public transit to connect them with jobs, housing, and opportunities throughout our region."  

Effie Triantafilopoulos, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington

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“Today’s unveiling of Oakville Transit’s first-ever electric buses is an important milestone in advancing Council’s efforts to create a thriving and livable Oakville for today and future generations. Reducing the town’s greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint, while modernizing and expanding our transit services, is critical to the health and well-being of our community. Thanks to funding from the town and our federal and provincial partners through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, we’re moving forward to provide innovative and environmentally friendly transit service for Oakville.”

Mayor Rob Burton