Council Rejects Electric Buses for Next Two Years, Despite Province's Support
The Council has voted against the use of electric buses in the next two years of the public transit pilot project. The decision was narrow and sparked debate, with the Province and Fire Chief Scott Selle supporting electric vehicles.
The primary concerns raised against electric buses were their cost, the time needed for charger installation, and safety issues related to their batteries. Despite these reservations, the Province has shown strong support for electric vehicles, investing millions to promote their use. Fire Chief Scott Selle dismissed fears about electric bus fires, stating he saw no reason for concern. Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah urged the Council to revisit the decision, having previously been voted down on September 16th. Supporters plan to gather more information and present it in the next Council session in October.
The Council's decision to reject electric buses for the next two years has been met with calls for reconsideration. The Province's backing of electric vehicles and the Fire Chief's reassurances on safety may influence the Council's future stance. The upcoming Council session in October will provide an opportunity for further discussion and potential change.
