Calgary Transit Orders 60 Electric Buses in Largest Zero-Emission Fleet Expansion
The $120-million investment will electrify three major bus routes by 2027.
Calgary Transit has placed an order for 60 battery-electric buses in the largest single zero-emission vehicle procurement in the city’s history, part of a plan to fully electrify the bus fleet by 2040.
The Investment
The $120-million order, awarded to New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg, includes 40-foot and 60-foot articulated models equipped with batteries capable of a 250-kilometre range on a single charge. The buses will be supported by depot-based charging infrastructure at the Spring Gardens and Anderson garages.
“This is a transformative investment in Calgary’s transit future,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Electric buses are quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to operate over their lifetime.”
Route Deployment
The electric buses will initially serve three high-ridership routes: the Route 1 (Forest Lawn – Bowness), Route 3 (Heritage – Sandstone), and Route 301 BRT (Southeast). These routes were selected for their flat terrain and high visibility.
Cost Savings
Calgary Transit estimates that electric buses will save approximately $50,000 per vehicle per year in fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel equivalents. Over the 18-year lifespan of the fleet, total savings are projected at $54 million.
“The economics of electric transit are now clearly favourable,” said transit director Sharon Fleming. “We’re not just doing this for the environment — it’s the fiscally responsible choice.”
The federal government is contributing $48 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Delivery is expected to begin in mid-2026.
