2021
CUTRIC conducted a comprehensive full-fleet predictive modelling project for Brampton Transit that included both block-based and route-based data. The performance simulation of both battery electric buses (BEBs) and fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) considered specific features of the transit system such as ridership, topography, and schedule. The work also considered various operational configurations and charging strategies, along with the impact of diesel-powered heaters and battery health gradient. The impact assessment of these varied operational conditions and cost considerations along with the GHG emission reduction potential will enable Brampton Transit to advance in their fleet electrification pathway.
CUTRIC used the physics-based, empirically validated RoutΣ.i™ 3.0 modelling toolset for this project.
Brampton Transit Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Implementation Strategy and Rollout Plan
Leading the charge for a greener future
In 2019, Brampton City Council declared a climate emergency and set an ambitious target to reduce the city's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Brampton Transit, as a key player in this initiative, has committed to an internal goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
Acknowledgement of support
This $1.1 million project is partially funded by Infrastructure Canada through the Zero Emission Transit Fund.
CUTRIC and Brampton Transit extend sincere gratitude to the Canadian Government and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada for their invaluable contributions. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions that support municipalities across Canada.
Path to net zero
Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Implementation Strategy and Rollout Plan outlines the roadmap to a greener transit future.
This study details the transition of Brampton Transit's fleet to zero emissions, integrating new energy capacities and hydrogen fuel supplies into daily operations. While achieving a net zero objective by 2040 is possible, it presents significant challenges and costs.
Key highlights of the project:
Timeline flexibility: Full fleet decarbonization may be delayed or accelerated depending on market readiness, supply chains, and available technologies.
Strategic scenarios:
- Scenario One: Battery electric buses (BEBs)
- Scenario Two: Hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs)
- Scenario Three: Mixed green fleet of BEBs and FCEBs
Learn more
Summary of findings
Scenario One (full BEB solution)
Scenario Two (full FCEB solution)
Scenario Three (mixed green fleet solution)
Conclusions
Scenario Three (mixed green solution) was the recommended solution for Brampton Transit.
Advantages
- Integrates both technologies for fleet flexibility
- Reduces total vehicles and chargers needed
- Least costly option (NPV in 2023 dollars)
- Balance between BEBs and FCEBs
Disadvantages
- Requires managing two systems
- Duplicated parts, fuel, training, safety standards
About Brampton Transit
Brampton Transit is a technology-driven, community-focused and environmentally committed transit agency that trailblazes in the decarbonization pathway utilizing CUTRIC’s advanced, evidence-based analytics to transition to zero-emission.
Brampton Transit has a long history of working towards an environmentally sustainable transit service. As the transportation sector is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, electrification of the Brampton Transit fleet represents a substantial step towards meeting the federal government’s 2050 emissions targets. Additional targets established by the City of Brampton (City) and provincial government provide a foundation for Brampton Transit to move towards fleet electrification.
Brampton Transit is the public transit service for the City of Brampton (City). Brampton Transit has been in business since 1976 and operates 74 routes that connect Brampton to its neighbouring municipalities. In 2010, Brampton Transit launched a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, branded Züm, which provides limited-stop service along major service corridors throughout Brampton [1]. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Brampton Transit provided more than 31 million rides annually.
CUTRIC is proud to continue to support Brampton Transit in planning its transition to zero-emissions through the ZEB Implementation Strategy and Rollout Plan that brings the merits of predictive performance modelling, empirical data analytics and robust business casing to enable the development of a highly comprehensive planning project. Being the country’s most comprehensive ZEB implementation planning project, this initiative considers all aspects of zero emissions from energy management, technological evolution and its impacts, environmental merits and sustainability, economic considerations and community benefits.
Related Posts
