Winnipeg Welcomes First Zero-Emission Bus, Ushering in Green Transit Era

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Winnipeg Welcomes First Zero-Emission Bus, Ushering in Green Transit Era

February 19, 2025

Winnipeg Transit marked a significant milestone today with the arrival of its first zero-emission bus (ZEB). The 40-foot fuel-cell battery-electric bus is the first of 16 ZEBs expected to join the fleet this spring as part of the city’s ambitious Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program.

Winnipeggers can anticipate seeing these new, environmentally friendly buses on city streets as early as mid-March, initially for out-of-service testing. Limited public service is expected to begin in April, coinciding with the spring schedule change.

“This is a momentous occasion for Winnipeg Transit and the city as a whole,” said Erin Cooke, Project Manager for the Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program, at a media event held at Winnipeg Transit’s Osborne Avenue facility. “These buses represent a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for public transportation in Winnipeg.”

**Zero Emission Bus (Source | Winnipeg Transit)**

The initial ZEB delivery will include a mix of fuel-cell and battery-electric buses: four 40-foot and four 60-foot fuel-cell models, and four 40-foot and four 60-foot battery-electric models. Notably, Winnipeg will be the first Canadian city to put 60-foot ZEBs into service. Fuel-cell buses, which recharge with hydrogen, boast a driving range of up to 24 hours, while battery-electric buses, charged via connection to a power source, offer 10 to 15 hours of operation.

All 16 buses will undergo rigorous in- and out-of-service testing. This testing will evaluate various factors, including battery performance, energy consumption, and operating costs, with a particular focus on determining the most effective zero-emission technology for Winnipeg’s challenging climate. Data collected will inform future electrification strategies for the city.

A second order of 24 ZEBs is anticipated in early 2026. The Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program, funded with $280.3 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, aims to procure 90 ZEBs. Each ZEB is projected to eliminate approximately 62 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, contributing significantly to Winnipeg’s environmental goals.