Tracking Ottawa’s Electric Bus Transition: Addressing My Concerns About Delivery Progress

The shift to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) is a key part of making public transit more sustainable in Ottawa. With a goal of 350 electric buses in service by 2027, this transition is meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while modernizing the city’s transit fleet.
After requesting an update at the Transit Committee, OC Transpo has provided details on how many electric buses have been received and are in service. Comparing this information with the original procurement plan helps track whether deliveries are keeping pace with expectations.

Current Status of Electric Buses

As of early 2025, twelve ZEBs are now in service:
• Eight new ZEBs from New Flyer that entered service this year.
• Four buses from the 2022 pilot program that remain in operation.
These buses are part of an ongoing order, with more deliveries expected throughout 2025.

Comparing the Plan vs. Reality

The original procurement plan set a schedule for how many buses would arrive each year. In 2024, 26 buses were supposed to be delivered, but none were received. The first batch of new ZEBs arrived in early 2025, with eight entering service. By the end of 2025, over 80 buses are expected to be delivered.
Looking ahead, 124 buses are scheduled for delivery in 2026, followed by another 120 in 2027. By comparing the original procurement plan with the updated OC Transpo page, tracking deliveries will be essential to ensuring these targets are achieved. A screenshot of the official procurement schedule is provided below for reference.

Next Steps for Ottawa’s Transit Electrification

Beyond just adding new buses, major infrastructure work is happening to support this transition.
• The St-Laurent South Garage is being retrofitted to accommodate ZEBs, with upgrades including charging stations and electrical infrastructure.
• Additional work is planned for St-Laurent North Garage in 2026 to expand capacity further.
• The City is working with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Hydro Ottawa, and the Government of Canada, which are helping fund these upgrades and bus purchases.

Why This Matters

Transitioning to a fully electric bus fleet offers multiple benefits:
• No greenhouse gas emissions from transit vehicles.
• Lower operating costs compared to diesel buses.
• Quieter buses for a better experience for both riders and residents.

For a full breakdown of the latest numbers, planned deliveries, and infrastructure upgrades, visit OC Transpo’s official update.
Keeping track of this transition ensures that OC Transpo remains on schedule and that Ottawa’s public transit system is evolving as planned. Zero-emission buses | OC Transpo