By Gazette Staff
July 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region has seen its first electric bus – Milton has converted a diesel bus to electic; it began operating on Route 1 today from Milton GO Station, a hub for local and regional connections.
The converted bus will run for approximately five hours each weekday as Milton Transit gathers real-world data on how passenger loads, weather, and traffic affect its battery capacity.
The 12-metre electric bus – featuring a modern, sustainability-themed wrap.
The service launch is a milestone in the innovative conversion project, a collaboration between the Town of Milton and Milton-based MTB Transit Solutions.
“As the world embraces cleaner sources of energy, this bus is a made-in-Milton solution that shows us what’s possible through local innovation and teamwork,” said Gara Hay, President of MTB Transit Solutions. “Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to life.”
There is a very sound argument for converting existing diesel buses to electric-driven vehicles – while it takes six to 12 months to convert a bus, it takes as much as two years to buy one.
The bus running on the streets of Milton today is the very first conversation in Canada.
The MTB operation in Milton consists of sixty bays where buses are repaired and upgraded.
It plus in like any other electric vehicle.
The bus is distinctive inside and out. Its electric powertrain does not produce tailpipe emissions, operates with minimal noise, and delivers a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
“This is a key step for the Town,” said Kristene Scott, Commissioner of Corporate Service. “It allows us to learn about the operation and maintenance of a converted electric bus and will help guide future transit investments to better serve Milton residents with a greener fleet.”
Milton Transit will closely monitor the pilot to inform plans as it transitions toward a fully electrified bus fleet.
“It’s very exciting to launch our new, converted battery-electric bus into service,” said Gord Krantz, Town of Milton Mayor. “This is a big step for the Town of Milton as we explore modern technologies that move us closer to our sustainability goals.”
I continue to see many buses in Burlington Empty!
I would like to see the utilization rates before we spend another dollar.