Winnipeg Transit is making transit history this summer.

Our first 60-foot zero-emission bus (ZEB) is going into limited service next week. Winnipeg will be the first Canadian city with 60-foot battery-electric buses in its fleet. By the end of the year, there will be eight 60-foot ZEBs in full service.

All ZEBs will be in limited service for their first 30 days of operation. This means they will only be on roads during the peak morning rush and early afternoon on weekdays. After 30 days, they will be ready for full-time service.

"Investing in cleaner, more efficient public transit is essential to building sustainable communities," said Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre. "With the arrival of Winnipeg's first 60-foot zero-emission bus, our city is making transit history and leading the way in Canada's shift to sustainable transportation. This milestone marks an important step in reducing emissions, improving air quality, and making life better for Winnipeggers. We're proud to support projects that help communities transition to a greener future."

"The first 60-foot electric buses in Canada will roll out right here in Winnipeg, and they're being built by New Flyer," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "This is a big step toward a cleaner, more sustainable fleet, while continuing to balance affordability and reliability for riders."

Sixty-foot buses, also known as articulated or "bendy" buses, are our largest buses. They have 50 percent more capacity than 40-foot buses.

Our first order of 16 ZEBs have all arrived at our Fort Rouge and Brandon Garages. They include:

• Four 40-foot and four 60-foot fuel-cell battery-electric buses
• Four 40-foot and four 60-foot battery-electric buses

Fuel-cell battery-electric buses recharge with hydrogen. They can drive for up to 24 hours. Battery-electric buses recharge by connecting to a charger. They can drive for 10 to 15 hours.

Every bus will complete in- and out-of-service testing, which will look at a variety of factors, including (but not limited to):

• Battery health
• Energy consumption
• Operating costs

Testing will also establish which zero-emission technology is most effective in Winnipeg's climate. All information gathered will determine future steps in electrification.

The Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program is receiving $280.3M in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Winnipeg Transit will use those funds to buy 90 ZEBs, as well as charging infrastructure.

A second order of ZEBs - 24 in total - are expected to arrive in early 2026.

To learn more about the Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program, visit: winnipegtransit.com/zeb.