Mississauga, Ont., September 18, 2024 — The City of Mississauga marks a historic milestone in sustainable public transportation with the launch of its innovative hydrogen-powered bus initiative, set to transform the transit landscape and significantly reduce carbon emissions. This groundbreaking project, realized through the commercialization collaboration of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), underscores a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Beginning in 2016-2017, CUTRIC spearheaded a pioneering coalition, uniting over half a dozen transit agencies alongside industry giants Enbridge, New Flyer Industries, and Ballard Power Systems. This collaboration aimed to propel the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) powered by green hydrogen, locally produced, to energize transit solutions across Canada. While many transit agencies opted out, Mississauga, under the visionary leadership of an innovative city council, forged ahead. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was crafted, shaping a state-of-the-art 10-FCEB solution focused on Mississauga’s Malton facility.

“This initiative exemplifies the remarkable progress that can be achieved when leaders in technology and public policy unite. CUTRIC’s role has been pivotal in fostering this collaboration, which now stands as a beacon for sustainable transit solutions across Canada,” said Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO, CUTRIC. “Mississauga’s commitment sets a powerful precedent that is sure to inspire other cities to embrace hydrogen technology and move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in public transportation.”

Mississauga’s unwavering dedication continues under the leadership of the new mayor and council, with Eve Wiggins, the agency’s new Director of Transit at the helm, successfully positioning the city as the first in the country to launch a full-fledged FCEB fleet. This initiative not only highlights Mississauga’s commitment to sustainability but sets a benchmark for transit agencies nationwide.

Under the MOU, CUTRIC is looking forward to conducting extensive monitoring of the deployed vehicles alongside Mississauga for several years. This collaboration aims to assess performance and provide invaluable insights, facilitating knowledge sharing and supporting other Canadian transit agencies as they embark on their own journeys toward sustainable transit solutions.

Quick Facts

• The project is Canada’s first to deploy zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, with locally produced green hydrogen from Day 1.
• The hydrogen-powered bus project started in 2016, initiated by a discussion among transit agencies about using hydrogen fuel cell technologies as a decarbonization solution.
• By 2018, MiWay, Mississauga’s transit agency, became the first in Canada to pursue hydrogen fuel cell technology, while other transit agencies were focusing solely on battery-electric buses.
• Over $2 million of in-kind labour contributions were invested by industry members and partners, involving multiple planning meetings, technology reviews, and feasibility assessments.
• CUTRIC played a pivotal role in bringing together public transit systems and private companies to overcome the challenges of early-stage deployments and commercialize the technology.
• Leadership from MiWay’s executive team was instrumental in completing the project.
• The project includes a $500,000 investment for facility upgrades at the Malton Transit Facility and Central Parkway Body Shop Facility to accommodate the new hydrogen buses. This highlights the comprehensive approach to integrating hydrogen technology.
• The initiative aligns with Mississauga’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), targeting a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2050. This underscores the city’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
• While Mississauga is the first in Ontario, similar hydrogen bus projects are underway in Alberta and Winnipeg, with successful implementations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, positioning Mississauga as a leader in this global movement.