The municipalities of Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall are pleased to announce the addition of two new electric minibuses to the T3 Transit fleet, marking an important step forward in the region’s public transit system and commitment to sustainability.
The new vehicles, distributed by the Damera Bus Sales Corporation, are the first electric buses added to the T3 Transit fleet and will support transit service across the capital region. The minibuses are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable experience for riders while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to support municipal climate goals. They come equipped with an accessibility ramp and can transport up to 18 passengers at full capacity.
Residents will see the vehicles operating on select transit routes in the capital area. Initially, this will include East Royalty during weekday peak hours, between Stratford and downtown Charlottetown at off-peak times, and some routes to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The project was made possible through funding from the Government of Canada under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) along with contributions from Government of Prince Edward Island and the three capital region municipalities. The ICIP supports infrastructure projects that help communities reduce pollution, strengthen climate resilience, and improve access to modern, reliable public services, including sustainable transportation options.
The addition of the electric minibuses also serves as a pilot initiative for the municipalities as they evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to a larger electric fleet in the future. By introducing smaller electric vehicles first, the municipalities will be able to assess how the technology performs in local conditions, including route demands, charging requirements and seasonal weather impacts, before making larger-scale investments in full-size electric buses.
The municipalities continue to work collaboratively to expand and improve public transit service for residents throughout the capital region, helping provide accessible, reliable, and affordable transportation options for the community.
Transit schedules and route maps are available at
www.t3transit.ca.
QUOTES:
“We are proud to partner with the province and the capital region municipalities to add the first electric minibuses to T3’s transit fleet. These zero emission buses will help improve air quality while supporting Canadian manufacturing and greener, more resilient communities.” – Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“These new electric minibuses are about making transit work better for people. They will help more residents move comfortably and reliably, whether they’re getting to work, school, appointments, or community activities. This investment reflects our shared commitment to affordable and accessible public transportation that meets the needs of the people who rely on it every day.” – Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Ernie Hudson
"T3 Transit has grown tremendously through strong partnerships between Charlottetown, Stratford, and Cornwall, and this project is another example of what can be achieved through collaboration and support from other levels of government. These new electric minibuses will help us continue building a modern, accessible and environmentally responsible transit system for our communities." – Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown
“The Town of Stratford is pleased to be a partner in today’s announcement alongside our transit operator and municipal partners. Through this investment of new electric minibuses, not only will our residents have a better experience with these new accessible minibuses, but our fleet will now include the first electric buses for our region. We are excited to see them on our roads and are thankful to all funding partners for their contributions.” – Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden
“By working closely with Cornwall, Charlottetown, and Stratford, T3 Transit has seen incredible growth. This project is a perfect example of the great things that happen when different levels of government work together for the benefit of our residents. These new electric minibuses will help us provide a greener, more accessible, and modern transit experience for everyone.” – Cornwall Mayor Minerva McCourt
