Trois-Rivières — The Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR) is one step closer to the complete electrification of its bus fleet, thanks to a federal investment of more than $33,2 million from the Government of Canada to support four public transit projects in Trois-Rivières. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister Pablo Rodriguez and the Chairman for STTR’s Board of Directors, Michel Byette, these projects will benefit the community by improving the current public transit network to make it more reliable, efficient and greener.
The funding announced will be used to implement phases 1 and 2 of the STTR service center electrification project, for which the Government of Canada is investing $30,037,725. Phase 1 of the project includes studies, plans and specifications, the installation of charging stations for electric buses, the expansion of the garage at the rear of the building, the installation of the electrical substation, and the development of the mechanical workshop for the maintenance of 100% electric buses.
Phase 2 will involve fitting out the existing garage and supply center, as well as installing recharging points for paratransit buses. Some exterior landscaping work on the grassed areas and parking lots is also planned.
The financial assistance announced will also enable the STTR to acquire two new 12-metre electric buses, for which the Government of Canada is investing $1,082,967. Each bus will be accessible and adapted for people with reduced mobility. The addition of these two new electric buses to the existing public transit network will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus combat climate change.
Today’s investment will also be used to implement preferential measures on the STTR network through the installation of a transit signal priority system. This technological infrastructure equipment, to which the Government of Canada is contributing $2,081,784, will help improve the quality and reliability of the existing public transit network by reducing the variability of travel times.
“Efficient public transit creates healthier communities, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps fight climate change. Today’s investment in four public transit projects in Trois-Rivières will help us achieve these goals, while providing Quebecers with safe and reliable transportation services. By investing in our public transit infrastructure, the federal government is playing an essential role in ensuring Canadians’ quality of life.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Investing in our infrastructure is not just about putting money into bricks and mortar. It’s about investing in the daily lives of our residents. The four projects we are announcing today are good examples of this! They will enable Trois-Rivières residents to benefit from a clean, reliable and high-quality public transit network to get where they need to go. Making public transit more efficient and fighting climate change, that’s delivering for Quebec!” – Pablo Rodriguez, Minister Transport and Quebec Lieutenant