E-Mission Zero

Our vision for a zero-emissions fleet

Durham Region Transit (DRT) is working to provide cleaner, safer, and more reliable transit for the community. We want to make it easier for people to choose transit while also helping protect the environment. Our goal is to build a transit system that is affordable, sustainable, and ready for the future.

In 2022, Regional Council approved the DRT E-Mission Zero – Fleet Electrification Plan, which set a goal of changing DRT's bus fleet to zero-emission technology by 2037. Since then, DRT has taken several important steps toward that goal.

In 2023, DRT signed agreements to install and test electric bus charging equipment at the Oshawa Depot. DRT also signed an agreement with the Canada Infrastructure Bank that provides up to $62 million in financing to help purchase approximately 98 zero-emission buses and support the transition away from diesel buses.

In 2024, DRT welcomed its first six battery electric buses into service. These buses are supported by six Level 3 chargers and have now been operating for about two years. DRT also partnered with PowerON to support the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of future charging infrastructure.

In 2025, DRT purchased an additional 25 battery electric buses, which are expected to arrive in late 2026. To support these new buses, DRT also began the Phase 1 Electrification Project, which includes building 24 Level 3 chargers and new electrical equipment at the Oshawa Depot. Construction is expected to be substantially complete by December 2026.

These projects support Durham Region's Climate Change Action Plan and Community Energy Plan. By investing in electric buses and charging infrastructure, DRT is reducing emissions and moving closer to its goal of operating a fully zero-emission transit fleet by 2037.

About E-Mission Zero

DRT’s E-Mission Zero is a long-term plan to reduce emissions. It includes many projects that will be introduced over the next 11 years.

This program will bring new zero-emission fleet vehicles, better buildings and smarter systems to Durham Region. It aims to greatly reduce emissions and support clean, healthy communities.

E-Mission Zero is an important step forward for DRT. It will help create jobs, build partnerships and expand transit service. It will also make transit a safe, reliable and sustainable way to travel for residents and visitors.

Quick facts

In 2023, DRT executed the agreement for the design and construction of electrification infrastructure with Oshawa PUC Energy Services (OPUCES) to support the first six (6) electric buses delivered on site.
In 2023, DRT executed a contract with Jule (formerly eCamion) to deliver the DRT Electric Bus Charging Pilot, including two (2) plug in chargers located in the Maintenance Bays and one (1) pantograph located in the Servicing Bay at the Oshawa Depot.
In 2023, DRT executed a contract with Canada Infrastructure Bank establishing a $62 million facility for Durham Region to finance the acquisition of approximately 98 zero-emission buses, enabling the continuation of DRT's fleet electrification while linking repayment primarily to the operational savings generated from replacing diesel buses with electric vehicles.
In 2024, the Principal Agreement with PowerON was executed establishing a partnership framework for the engineering, procurement and construction of electrification infrastructure, and management, operations and maintenance of the electrification infrastructure and related services to support the DRT fleet electrification plan.
In 2024, Durham Region Transit welcomed its first six (6) battery electric buses. The electric buses have been in service for approximately two (2) years.
In 2025, DRT procured an additional twenty-five (25) electric buses expected to be delivered on site by late 2026.
In 2025, DRT commenced the Phase 1 Electrification Project, which includes the design, construction and maintenance of 24 level three (3) chargers and distribution equipment to support the incoming battery electric buses. The project is expected to reach substantial completion in December 2026.

Electric bus pilot

Zero emissions facilities

The Atmospheric Fund report