Big news for a local Strathroy bus company. Langs Bus Lines aims to replace nearly half of its diesel school bus fleet with electric models by 2026. The Strathroy-based, family-owned company secured $44 million from the federal government for this initiative announced on Friday which comprises $22.2 million from the Zero Emission Transit Fund and a $22.4 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
In total, Langs plans to replace 200 buses and allocate a portion of the funds to install necessary chargers and upgrade facilities at five locations across southwestern Ontario. The new electric buses will serve students in London, Sarnia, Strathroy, and Woodstock. Langs estimates that replacing these buses will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 tonnes, equivalent to offsetting the yearly energy consumption of 550 homes.
Written by: C. Soares