Zero Emission Transit & Mobility Conference 2026
Canada's national forum for zero emission transit, in practice.
Burlington Convention Centre, Ontario · OCTOBER 28–29, 2026
Speakers and Industry Leaders
Leaders driving zero emission fleet deployment, infrastructure and policy across Canada. Tap a card to read the full biography.
Further speakers and panel moderators for ZETM 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks. Check back for updates or register now to be notified as the program is confirmed.
Day 1 & 2 Video Highlights
Two days of panels, keynotes and networking from the 7th Annual Zero Emission Transit & Mobility Conference.
7th Annual Zero Emission Transit & Mobility Conference — CUTRIC
7th Annual Zero Emission Transit & Mobility Conference — CUTRIC
Secure your place at ZETM 2026
Discounted pricing for active CUTRIC members and partners.
Full two-day access for general industry attendees and stakeholders.
Not a CUTRIC member yet? Contact Majdi El-Sadek for details: [email protected]
Two days of panels, keynotes and networking with the people delivering Canada's zero emission transit transition.
Agenda
Two days in Burlington. The program is provisional and subject to change.
Registration and Networking
Opening Remarks
Opening Keynote
PanelRethinking Transit: A Pillar of National Defence
This innovative panel explores a new paradigm: public transit as a vital national security asset. Experts will discuss how expanding transit infrastructure into remote areas serves a crucial dual purpose, strengthening community connectivity today while ensuring a resilient, crisis-ready transportation network for times of conflict.
Break
CUTRIC KeynoteZero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) Project Dissemination
This keynote will summarize the major outcomes of the Zero Emission Transit Fund. The presentation will provide a province-by-province comparison and explore how zero emission rollouts differ across small, medium and large transit agencies.
CUTRIC KeynoteAdvancing Social Analysis in Transit Planning: Beyond Traditional Data
This session explores how transit agencies can strengthen planning and decision-making by addressing gaps in traditional datasets, such as equity, gender and caregiving trips. Attendees will learn how agencies are utilizing richer, locally collected data like ridership surveys to support service expansion and equity-focused planning.
PanelRenewable Natural Gas (RNG) in Transit
This session will present key findings from CUTRIC's national RNG transit feasibility work and explore how agencies and utilities evaluate RNG as a near-term decarbonization pathway. Panellists will share insights on life cycle emissions, cost competitiveness, infrastructure compatibility and how RNG can serve as a complementary solution alongside electrification strategies.
Lunch
Keynote
PanelFrom Pilot to Procurement
This panel examines how transit agencies transition from successful initial pilots, such as hydrogen fuel cell projects, to full-scale procurement and deployment. Discussions will delve into innovative models like hydrogen as a service, on-site mobile production using municipal waste and contracting processes that de-risk the technology.
PanelDriving the growth of transit manufacturing – the power of a Buy Canadian Policy for transit investment
This panel will explore how Buy Canadian Policy requirements (for the Canada Public Transit Fund and Building Communities Strong Fund) can serve as a powerful catalyst for domestic job creation and economic development. Drawing on both European and Canadian perspectives, industry leaders will discuss the long-term benefits of fostering domestic manufacturing in the transit sector. Panellists will share industry-leading strategies for building up more manufacturing jobs in Canada as part of domestic sovereignty in an era of tariff negotiations.
Break
PanelInductive Charging Commercialization
This panel will showcase successful cutting-edge inductive charging technology and how manufacturers are overcoming specifications to achieve interoperability. Discussions will also explore the potential of retrofitting existing buses to trial new charging methods instead of exclusively purchasing new vehicles.
Closing Keynote
Reception and Networking
Registration and Networking
Opening Remarks
PanelSafety and Workforce Development
This session will dive into the practical safety risks associated with zero emission fleets, such as the dangers of wearing synthetic materials in environments prone to arc flash heat. Experts will also discuss the necessary workforce development changes, new courses and training programs actively required to support this technological transition.
Break
Poster Session Presentations
PanelTransition Piloting Without Teardowns
This session challenges the assumption that moving to zero emission vehicles requires a total depot teardown and a 2:1 bus replacement ratio. Panellists will argue that by leveraging smart charging software and existing grid capacity, agencies can achieve 1:1 replacements for a portion of their fleet without immediate multimillion-dollar infrastructure upgrades.
Lunch
PanelWhy Innovation Isn't Scaling
This session explores the slow deployment of hydrogen and other zero emission technologies beyond pilot phases, examining concrete evidence on why it is difficult to bring innovation to the transit industry. The discussion will highlight barriers to change, risk allocation challenges and potential policy shifts needed to accelerate large-scale adoption.
PanelCreating a Successful Academic Research Cluster
This discussion with academic cluster leaders will explore what it takes to successfully develop and resource a research cluster for bidding and multidisciplinary engagement. The session will also highlight future trends in zero emission research, including new degree programs for transit agency recruitment.
Keynote
Closing Keynote
A national convening of the zero emission transit sector.
Why Should You Attend
Two days built so every participant leaves with decisions made easier, not a longer reading list.
Gain Exceptional Thought Leadership
Discover new insights and practical knowledge from industry leaders to enrich your understanding of zero emission transit strategies.
Actionable Takeaways
Leave the conference equipped with actionable strategies and resources to initiate or advance your own zero emission transit initiatives.
Real-world Examples
Learn from successful case studies showcasing the environmental, financial and public perception benefits of zero emission transit.
Collaborate
Collaborate with peers to address common challenges and find innovative solutions.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainable transportation and be part of the conversation towards a net-zero future.
Stay Updated
Stay informed about the latest industry trends and innovations in the field of zero emission transit.
Our emphasis lies in delivering exceptional thought leadership and practical insights, ensuring that every participant leaves the conference with newfound knowledge and actionable takeaways. Our primary focus remains on crafting and delivering the highest quality content.
Moments from ZETM 2025.
The panels, keynotes and networking that defined last year's conference. Click any slide to expand it full-screen.
The national forum for zero emission transit in Canada.
ZETM 2026 is the essential national forum for addressing the most pressing operational, infrastructure and policy challenges facing zero emission transit and mobility in Canada.
Zero Emission Fleet Deployment
The agenda is strongly focused on real-world implementation. Experts will present deployment experiences, performance insights and operational challenges related to battery-electric and hydrogen transit vehicles across diverse Canadian conditions.
What past attendees say
A group rate at the hotel next door.
CUTRIC has partnered with the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington to offer a special group rate exclusively to conference attendees. This discounted rate applies to a limited number of rooms and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel is conveniently connected to our conference venue at the Burlington Convention Centre, ensuring close proximity and seamless access to conference activities.
Courtyard by Marriott Burlington
Conveniently located north of the QEW on Burloak Drive in a business park-like setting, guests can enjoy modern, spacious guest rooms, delectable cuisine and ample free parking at our hotel near Burlington Convention Centre.
Booking link opens once the group rate is live.
Join us in Burlington, Ontario
Interested in sponsoring ZETM 2026?
Are you passionate about sustainable development and public transit? Do you want to position your brand at the forefront of innovation in these sectors? Get in touch to find out about our sponsorship packages.
