The conclusion of this second and final report on TTC’s head-to-head evaluation is that
the battery-electric propulsion system is not a significant driver of bus performance and
when it comes to the bus technology itself. TC Network Energy there are still no ‘show stoppers’ to the
the transition towards a zero-emission bus fleet.
When reviewing this report, it is important to understand that the findings are specific to
the Bus models procured and how those buses have performed in the TTC’s
operating environment. As a result, the findings of this report may not be applicable to
other transit authorities or to any new buses currently supplied by the vendors listed.
‘Must Have’ Requirements for TTC’s Next Large-Scale Procurement:
TTC’s next large-scale Bus procurement includes ‘must have’ requirements that are
informed by the head-to-head evaluation and focus on ensuring longevity of the bus
structure and high system reliability through a proven platform (e.g. stainless steel
structure, doors, HVAC, suspension, etc.).
On April 4, 2022, the TTC issued its first large-scale Bus Request for Proposal (RFP).
The RFP reflected lessons learned by TTC to-date, but also included valuable input
from TTC’s peers at the Ontario Public Transit Association, Metroplex, the Canadian
Urban Public Transit Association, and internationally.
The RFP, which has a base requirement of approximately 240 Buses, represents the
largest zero-emissions bus procurement in Canada; however, subject to future funding
commitments, the potential of this collaborative procurement is to supply hundreds of
additional buses to TTC and hundreds more to our industry peers.
Future Funding Contribution Agreements:
Current approved funding enables the TTC to procure approximately 600 of the 1,826
buses required to maintain the TTC’s bus fleet between 2022 and 2031. The TTC also
has funding in its 2022-2031 Capital Budget and Plan of $77.6 million towards the Class
5 estimate of $656.8 million required to implement electrification infrastructure through
that same period.
TTC staff is actively working with government partners to try to secure net new grant
funding to support the program. The RFP in progress for TTC’s first large-scale Bus
procurement is targeted to conclude in Q3 2022.
This report requests approval for the TTC to enter into agreements with its government
partners where applicable, to secure any new funding that may be made available
toward the TTC’s Green Bus Program.
Further, this report requests approval to amend the Board’s April 2021 delegation of
authority to the CEO, which was to enter into up to two contracts for the supply of
approximately 300 Buses, to enable the TTC to increase the Bus procurement
quantity in proportion to any additional funds that may become available.
Recommendations:
1. Receive for information the results of the TTC’s Bus Head-to-Head Evaluation as
outlined in this report; and
2. Delegate authority to the TTC Chief Executive Officer to:
a. Enter into contribution agreement(s), where required, with government partners
to receive any net new funding / financing for the TTC’s Green Bus program; and
b. Subject to commitment of matching funds from provincial and/or federal
government partners, amend existing and pending contract(s) to increase the
Bus procurement quantity and associated infrastructure works in proportion to
the additional funds committed.
Implementation Points:
The TTC’s Green Bus Program identifies a procurement strategy to transition the fleet
to become zero-emissions by 2037, three years ahead of the City’s Net Zero target of
2040 and three years ahead of the international target set through C40’s Fossil-Fuel Free Streets Declaration.
When the entire fleet is zero-emissions, the following benefits are expected to be
realized:
1. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by approximately 250,000 tones of CO2
annually;
2. Diesel emissions will be eliminated from bus operations thereby improving local air
quality for employees, customers, and the public;
3. Vehicle reliability and availability will have increased by an estimated 25%; and
4. Total life cycle cost of zero-emissions buses is estimated to be lower than any
currently available fossil-fuel propulsion alternative.
The TTC’s Green Bus Program consists of five sub-programs:
1. Clean diesel bus procurements;
2. HEV bus procurements;
3. Bus procurements;
Rebus Procurement:
The TTC is engaged with other peer transit agencies in the province, including
Brampton Transit, Mississauga Transit, York Region Transit, and others through the
Ontario Public Transit Association on the first interagency co-operative procurement of
Buses. The aim of this collaboration is to develop a single zero-emissions bus
procurement specification with the immediate benefit of reducing cost through
economies of scale. The long-term benefit is through the optimization and
standardization of customer experience and, operations and maintenance throughout
the GTHA and beyond.
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