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RS3488 said:
I question though why for so long Metrolinx has been stating that the Series VII cab cars would be deactivated, when the evidence points towards the opposite (the conductor and engineer slide window frames being intact along with the actual cab).
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Did they actually say that officially anywhere or was that just speculation because they stopped using the older cab cars when they had enough CEM cars?
 
Images posted by Paul O’Shell dated to April 13 2023 on railpictures.ca
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"Ontario introducing electric vehicle GO bus service" (I don't think has been posted on UT yet but if anyone beat me, it was @Northern Light)

CBC News article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-electric-vehicle-go-bus-service-1.6841231

Government's news release:

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Launching Electric Vehicle GO Bus Service​

Province expanding new transit options with zero-emission technology
May 12, 2023
Office of the Premier

​

OSHAWA – The Ontario government is bringing two new fully electric zero-emission GO buses into service for the first time as part of its plan to support electric vehicles, reduce emissions and expand clean, green transit options across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
“The launch of these electric buses marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to be a global leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re building a strong electric vehicle supply chain, securing game changing investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing, and getting more electric vehicles on the road. The future is electric and we’re leading the charge.”

Starting May 15, commuters on GO bus routes 19 (Mississauga/North York), 27 (Milton/North York), 92 (Oshawa/Yorkdale) and 96B (Oshawa/Finch Express) will have the opportunity to travel on the zero-emission buses. The buses will be identifiable by their unique exterior, which features a lightning bolt. Once onboard, commuters will experience a quieter ride and have access to USB chargers and seatbelts.

“These electric vehicle buses are an exciting new transportation option, bolstering the presence of zero-emission technology in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As we deliver on our plan to get Ontarians moving, we will continue to leverage clean-energy opportunities that are good for people and good for the environment.”

The new electric vehicle GO buses have been in the testing phase without passengers since December 2021. As commuters travel on the new buses, the province will continue to evaluate feedback to help inform the potential future expansion of the program and our Made-In-Ontario strategy to procure electric vehicles and low-carbon equipment.

Quick Facts​

  • The results of the initial testing phase were considered when routes were selected for revenue service, to help ensure the buses return to the garage with 20 per cent battery capacity. Testing has shown that these buses can travel about 225 kilometres in colder temperatures and about 300 kilometres in warmer temperatures without needing a charge.
  • Each bus is powered by nine batteries and can be fully charged in approximately three to four hours. The buses will be charged at the Streetsville (in Mississauga) and Steeprock (in North York) GO bus garages.

Quotes​

"As Ontario launches fully electric GO bus service, riders are going to enjoy a quieter ride, powered by our world-class clean electricity grid. As a global leader in the electric vehicle revolution, this new option represents another step in our work to support electric vehicles, reduce emissions and expand clean, green travel options."
- Todd Smith
Minister of Energy
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"We are taking positive action to ensure Ontario continues to be a leader in clean, green growth in Canada and around the world. We will continue to work with our partners like Metrolinx to explore options for clean, green transportation now and in the future."
- David Piccini
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
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"Over the last two and a half years, Ontario has attracted over $25 billion in automotive and electric vehicle battery related investments that strengthen our electric vehicle supply chain. Starting to electrify the GO Bus fleet is another way we’re showing the world our leadership in electric vehicle technology."
- Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
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"Metrolinx supports the Ontario government’s stewardship in bringing more green transportation options to bus services. Transit is by its nature inherently more sustainable. Through innovative eco-friendly solutions like electric vehicles, we will be able to further lower greenhouse gas emissions and expand sustainable travel options throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe."
- Phil Verster
President and CEO of Metrolinx
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Additional Resources​

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trtcttc said:
Any information on what model these busses are?
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They have two Enviro500ev SuperLos. They’ve had them since 2020. There have been a number of planned in-service dates, but the buses never ended up going into service. These buses appear to very much be prototypes with the chassis dating back to 2015. So that could explain all the issues they’ve had with getting them ready. With a date announced to the public, they must feel confident they’ve worked everything out.



GO Transit 4001 by Adrian Badaraco, on Flickr


GO Transit 4001 by Adrian Badaraco, on Flickr
 
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
 
trtcttc said:
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
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its probably very expensive to build the infrastructure to support this. Not to mention they probably want fleet commonality so unless AD produces HFC buses it would be a nonstarter vs BEBs
 
trtcttc said:
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
Click to expand...

It may be a similar situation to the LNG buses the TTC had. There were certain places they were unable to go such as underground or covered areas.
 
trtcttc said:
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
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I don't see GO lagging behind any of the other local operators. Is anyone making big investments of this sort yet?

"Wait and see" is a very businesslike strategy with such new technology. Let somebody else get all the bugs out and wait until the manufacturing costs come down.

When others make the leap, GO will likely do likewise.

- Paul.
 
Speaking of the buses

Is it true that all of the current active GO buses are in the two tone MX scheme now?
 
trtcttc said:
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
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I think Metrolinx has an RFI out for a hydrogen fuel cell pilot project. Not sure if it’s for GO or for the TPI agencies.

Mississauga has a planned fuel cell pilot project too. They are just waiting for the funding.
 
trtcttc said:
Is there a reason why for GO, which has mostly longer bus routes, they don't experiment with other technology like Hydrogen? I understand EVs for passenger cars, but for Busses, lugging all that weight around must not be ideal, and the downsides of hydrogen (expensive storage, facilities) aren't as big of an issue to a transit agency vs passenger cars.
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Depending on the form, hydrogen is even more problematic than battery power. And even in its best form, it's beset by many of the same issues as battery electric vehicles.

It's a neat toy, but it's not a practical alternative.

Dan
 
Based on what I saw in Europe last years, the DD systems I saw in 2012 were replaced with articulated buses as it didn't require tall towers for overhead charging along the routes to allow charging where the bus needs to be top up or a plug-in charger. The few DD I did see were hybrids. There are battery power DD, but never saw any.

Since none of GO routes are over 150 km, ML can easy install charging stations at the end of the route or bus terminals to top the bus up to keep it on the road for a full day of runs without worrying about the 400 km range. Without charging stations for the route, the DD will only do a few trips before heading back to the garage to be charge with x replacing it.

Poor use for resources
 
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